Conservation attitudes of high school students in southern Transdanubia toward a strictly protected species, the Large Whip Snake (Dolichophis caspius Gmelin, 1789)
Abstract
The Large Whip Snake (Dolichophis caspius Gmelin, 1789), one of Europe’s large-bodied snakes, it occurs at some highly isolated sites in Hungary. Hungarian individuals are the northernmost specimens in the western portion of the species range, isolated from the contigous southeast European distribution area. The species is in Hungary strictly protected since 1996. Although general public are seen to have low levels of knowledge with regard to conservation terminology and methodology, public view are increasingly involved in decision-making on management issues. Quantifying public perceptions is becoming a key component in translating ecology into management activity, and questionnaires are suitable tools for studying public perceptions in ecological management. Present study attempted to assess how well-known problem species protection among high school pupils is; what is their opinion about management implications, as well as would they take a part in management activities; and are they interested in conservation measures. On the basis of their answers, the kids have low knowledge about the species, but they are not reserved from obtain further experiences. They look to be positive and interested in other conservation problems, so they could be the object of informing activities.
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