2026/03/19 by Manisha Saigal, Philip Johns · 1 voice
Psychology · Environmental Science · Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · #Primate Behavior and Ecology #Wildlife Ecology and Conservation #Animal Vocal Communication and Behavior
paper · doi:10.1080/08927936.2026.2636375
openalex publication_date 2026/03/19 · openalex created_date 2026/03/20 · openalex updated_date 2026/06/15
Understanding human–wildlife interactions is crucial for effective urban wildlife management and conservation. This study compared Singapore residents’ perceptions and awareness of scenario-based etiquette toward four prominent urban wildlife species: smooth-coated otters (Lutrogale perspicillata), long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis), Malayan water monitor lizards (Varanus salvator), and reticulated pythons (Malayopython reticulatus). Using online surveys (n = 399), we investigated how demographic factors and exposure to each species influence perceptions. Our results show significant differences in perceptions and etiquette responses toward each species. Respondents had the highest affinity toward otters, perceived greater property damage from mammals than reptiles, and feared terrestrial more than semi-aquatic species. Respondents’ age, parental status, frequency of park visits, involvement in wildlife programs, and frequency of seeing each species significantly influenced perceptions, suggesting a need to engage older people and parents more to improve wildlife perceptions. Notably, the frequency of direct encounters with wildlife only explained 1% of variation in perceptions, suggesting that exposure or familiarity alone do not ensure coexistence with wildlife. Our findings emphasize the need for more public education on wildlife etiquette, especially regarding macaques. We found that wildlife education lowered perceptions of property damage but not fear, suggesting that addressing misconceptions and negative perceptions requires fostering positive emotional connections with wildlife. Our analysis highlights the interplay between urban aesthetics, cultural perceptions, wildlife education, and human and animal behavior in shaping human–wildlife interactions. Most saliently, our study demonstrates the importance of species-specific approaches to improve relationships between humans and wildlife.