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Social Media Could Boost Wildlife Conservation Efforts for Small Mammal Species, Experts Say

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11 Nov, 2024

This post was originally published on Eco Watch

Photos of wildlife on social media have the power to boost conservation by depicting predators not only as beautiful, but as similar to domestic pets.

A new study has found that, through their millions of followers, Instagram and Facebook can steer public engagement and awareness toward support for predators like wildcats, who are sometimes shot and poisoned by farmers.

The research was based on the caracal wildcat — a native of Africa with prominent, tufted ears — whose similarity to house cats has brought thousands of followers to internet streams about conserving the elegant felines, a press release from Taylor & Francis said.

The researchers point out that “charismatic” smaller mammals like the caracal can be “flagship species” for getting the word out about the purposes of scientific research in areas that are rapidly urbanizing.

“Using an aesthetic species such as the caracal is an effective way to capture public attention to communicate the importance of conserving urban wildlife,” said Drs. Laurel Serieys and Gabriella Leighton with the Urban Caracal Project (UCP) and the University of Cape Town in the press release.

The findings suggest the graceful carnivore’s online appeal is connected with viral images, memes and videos of cats.

Improved public engagement is important for achieving conservation aims, particularly in biodiversity hotspots. Many species are unique to these regions, as well as endangered, and threatened areas are becoming increasingly urbanized and understudied.

A caracal on the steps of a garden of an urban edge property in Smitswinkel on the Cape Peninsula, South Africa. Anya Adendorff

Cape Town is home to the caracal, as well as a biodiversity hotspot. Caracals are elusive mammals who are viewed by livestock farmers in other parts of South Africa as pests.

The UCP was established in December of 2014 to explore caracal ecology. The project uses social media to influence perceptions and awareness of urban caracal conservation. UCP is run by researchers hosted by University of Cape Town’s Institute for Communities and Wildlife in Africa.

Most of the interactions regarding UCP’s works are communicated through social media, though the project also has a website.

The authors of the study assessed caracals’ global popularity between 2004 and the present using Google Trends, both before and following the establishment of UCP. They compared the interest in caracals with that of the serval, a similar wild cat from Africa.

The authors also used recent Instagram and Facebook data to look at all the material UCP had posted, along with direct public engagement like reporting caracal rescues, sightings and findings of deceased individuals.

The results showed twice as much interest in “caracal” as a term since the launching of UCP. This represented a 91 percent increase in comparison with that of “servals,” which grew by 76 percent during the same period.

The authors said the results suggested UCP had helped increase global awareness of caracals as a species.

Two caracals in the fynbos vegetation of the Cape Point reserve in the southern part of the Cape Peninsula, South Africa. Gilbert Reinhardt

Other evidence included the project’s now 7,300 followers on Instagram and 16,800 on Facebook, which represent “micro-influencer” status. Most UCP followers are from South Africa, but include those from India, the United Kingdom and the United States.

The authors said deaths of caracals reported by the public — frequently through social media or WhatsApp — allow them to assess threats to the population, as well as roadkill patterns, through post-mortems.

Samples taken for the conducting of tissue analysis have been collected from areas that would have been otherwise unreachable if it weren’t for the citizen network. These investigations have revealed that caracals are exposed to poisonous pesticides and pollutants.

Facebook comments and sightings give conservationists useful information about how the African wildcats respond to humans. Most caracal encounters with humans happen on paths or roads, with caracals being described as “calm” or “chilled” before quickly moving away.

The most frequently used positive adjective to describe caracals in Facebook comments is “beautiful,” in addition to “sad” on negative posts — most often in response to the death of an individual caracal or a threat to their population. The authors said this shows how much engagement on social media has resulted in people caring about the welfare of caracals.

“This paper contributes to our understanding of the various ways in which the public can participate in science. It shows how charismatic species can contribute to conservation and public awareness of biodiversity in urban areas,” Serieys and Leighton said. “The research demonstrates how a public interest in urban ecology and the global phenomenon of ‘cats on the internet’… can be harnessed to leverage conservation action.”

The study, “Wild Cats on the Internet: The Role of Social Media in Popularising Caracals in South Africa,” was published in the journal Environmental Communication and will be part of its special issue, Affective Encounters: Storying in South African Ecological Communication.

The post Social Media Could Boost Wildlife Conservation Efforts for Small Mammal Species, Experts Say appeared first on EcoWatch.

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Mitigating cybersecurity risks in tomorrow's smart cities

Mitigating cybersecurity risks in tomorrow's smart cities

As global cities embrace the potential of ‘smart’ technology, from optimised traffic management to advanced energy grids, the allure of a more efficient, sustainable and digitally connected urban landscape is becoming a reality.

However, with these advancements come significant cybersecurity challenges that cities must address to ensure the promise of innovation is not overshadowed by the risk of threats. To build the resilient, sustainable cities of tomorrow, cybersecurity must be integrated as a core principle in every step of development.

The evolution of smart cities

Smart cities represent a groundbreaking shift in urban planning and management. These cities integrate advanced technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and 5G networks to improve city services such as traffic management, waste collection, energy distribution and emergency response.

Countries like Singapore, South Korea and Germany are leading the way, investing billions in smart city technologies. China, as part of its ‘Made in China 2025’ initiative, has outlined an ambitious Smart Cities Development Plan to modernise its urban infrastructure.

Yet, as investment increases, so does the risk. The interconnected nature of smart cities presents an attractive target for cybercriminals, with critical infrastructure systems — such as energy, health care and transportation — vulnerable to cyber attacks that could ripple across the urban landscape.

Key cyberthreats facing smart cities

The list of cybersecurity threats faced by smart cities is diverse. Some have the potential to cause significant disruption to services and cause damage and loss for residents. Some of the most significant include:

Ransomware attacks on critical infrastructure:

Ransomware attacks on city systems are escalating as cybercriminals capitalise on the growing digital footprint of urban infrastructure. Municipalities worldwide have experienced system lockdowns, where attackers demand ransom payments to restore access to critical services.

Public safety system attacks:

Emergency systems, video surveillance and gunshot detection technologies are indispensable for public safety in smart cities. Unfortunately, these systems are prime targets for cyber attacks.

A survey conducted by UC Berkeley’s Centre for Long-Term Cybersecurity1 highlighted emergency alert systems as particularly vulnerable within smart city infrastructure. An attack on these systems could result in widespread panic or delayed response to genuine emergencies.

Data breaches and privacy concerns:

Smart cities collect vast amounts of data on their citizens, from travel patterns to health details. The widespread use of sensors and IoT devices makes these data pools tempting targets for hackers. A successful breach could lead to identity theft, financial fraud and diminished trust in public institutions.

Water supply and sanitation threats:

Attacks targeting water supply systems are a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities within smart city infrastructure. In 2021, hackers attempted to poison the water supply in Oldsmar, Florida, by altering chemical treatment levels. Although thwarted, the incident underscored the dangers posed to critical infrastructure by cyberthreats.

Cyberthreats transcend borders

The interconnected nature of smart cities amplifies the potential impact of cyber attacks, extending beyond individual municipalities. A breach in one city could have cascading effects on neighbouring regions and even disrupt international systems.

For example, a successful attack on a city’s energy grid could affect hospitals, schools and essential services over a wide area. A breach in transportation infrastructure could delay shipments, disrupting global supply chains.

Beyond financial losses, a successful cyber attack can also erode public trust in digital infrastructure, potentially slowing the adoption of smart city technologies that are essential for achieving sustainability goals.

Preparing for tomorrow’s cybersecurity threats

Building resilient smart cities requires comprehensive cybersecurity measures that address vulnerabilities across infrastructure, data and citizen engagement. Key strategies include:

1. Adopting a ‘secure-by-design’ approach:

Cities should embrace a secure-by-design strategy, ensuring cybersecurity is integrated from the earliest stages of technology deployment. This involves rigorous risk assessments and the use of encryption, multi-factor authentication and regular software updates.

2. Cross-sector collaboration:

Protecting smart cities from cyberthreats requires collaboration between government, private sector and technology providers. By sharing threat intelligence and co-ordinating on cybersecurity protocols, public and private entities can respond swiftly to cyber incidents.

3. Investing in cybersecurity talent:

As demand for cybersecurity experts rises, cities must invest in developing a skilled workforce. Governments, educational institutions and businesses should collaborate to create training programs that equip professionals with the skills needed to protect smart city infrastructures.

4. Citizen awareness and cyber hygiene:

Engaging citizens in cybersecurity efforts is crucial for creating a safe digital environment. Public awareness campaigns can teach residents about recognising phishing attempts, securing their devices and reporting suspicious activities. Empowering citizens to practice good cyber hygiene strengthens a city’s overall security.

Building resilient smart cities

The potential of smart cities is vast, offering enhanced quality of life, greater efficiency and sustainable urban living. However, without addressing cybersecurity risks, these benefits could be undermined by significant threats.

By prioritising cybersecurity as a fundamental component of smart city development, cities worldwide can build resilient infrastructures that protect citizens, sustain public trust, and lay the groundwork for a safer, more connected future.

Les Williamson is Regional Director Australia and New Zealand at Check Point Software Technologies, a cybersecurity platform provider of AI-powered, cloud delivered solutions. He has more than three decades of sales and leadership experience in the IT industry, having previously been Head of the AWS Telecommunications Business Unit for Asia Pacific and Japan as well as Vice President for ANZ at Citrix. In addition, he worked for Cisco Systems for more than 10 years in a variety of roles, including as Vice President Asia Pacific.

1. https://cltc.berkeley.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Smart_City_Cybersecurity.pdf

Top image credit: iStock.com/gremlin

‘Coexistence Is Happening’: LA Mountain Lions  Change Their Hours to Avoid Recreationists

‘Coexistence Is Happening’: LA Mountain Lions Change Their Hours to Avoid Recreationists

In a symptom of human development pushing native wildlife further outside their natural habitats, mountain lions living in the greater Los Angeles area have been changing the timing of their activities to avoid interactions with hikers, joggers, cyclists and other recreationists, according to a new study led by researchers at University of California, Davis (UC […]
The post ‘Coexistence Is Happening’: LA Mountain Lions Change Their Hours to Avoid Recreationists appeared first on EcoWatch.

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