2025/03/03 by Matthew Mo, Nicholas J. Colman · 1 voice
Psychology · Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · #Animal and Plant Science Education #Human-Animal Interaction Studies
paper · doi:10.7882/az.2025.007
openalex publication_date 2025/03/03 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/31
ABSTRACT Flying-foxes are intrinsic and keystone species in the landscapes they belong in, but several species are considered threatened. Their conservation is often hampered by negative attitudes toward them, and this has been the motivation behind a long history of public education initiatives. We propose a concept for an interactive virtual experience that would engage people visiting flying-fox roosts in public places and leverage familiarity with quick-response (QR) codes and personal mobile device functionalities. The concept is based around QR codes displayed on physical signage at strategic points that link to tailored multimedia on visitors’ personal mobile devices. The media is designed to transport visitors in time and space to glimpse virtual representations of interesting aspects of flying-fox ecology, such as their modes of feeding (associated with pollination and seed dispersal), evening fly-outs, belly-dipping, nomadic movements and use of numerous roosts. The concept exemplifies how QR codes can be implemented to engage the public on aspects of biodiversity that urgently need more attention to foster stronger community support for conservation of threatened species.