The acceptance of wild animals in urban areas varies significantly among city residents, according to a recent study by the Technical University of Munich, the University of Jena, and the Vienna University of Technology. Factors such as the popularity of the animals and the locations where they are found play a crucial role in determining residents’ attitudes towards them. Squirrels and ladybugs emerge as the most well-liked animals, while species such as martens, rats, wasps, slugs, and urban pigeons face lower levels of acceptance. Cockroaches are the least popular among city inhabitants, while ants, spiders, and snakes receive a neutral response.
The survey conducted by the researchers revealed that most urban animals are generally liked by residents, with 23 out of 32 species receiving positive approval ratings. Birds, mammals, arthropods, lizards, and frogs were among the popular animals, while cockroaches, rats, wasps, slugs, and urban pigeons faced lower levels of acceptance. Participants showed a neutral attitude towards ants, spiders, and snakes. The survey also showed that the location where the animals are found influences residents’ attitudes towards them, with more popular animals being placed closer to home by respondents.
The study highlights the importance of incorporating the preferences of city residents when planning urban spaces to accommodate both human and animal populations. Prof. Wolfgang Weisser, head of the Chair of Terrestrial Ecology, emphasizes the need to actively care for animals in urban areas and design urban development accordingly. By understanding where people prefer or dislike certain animals, potential points of conflict can be anticipated, leading to the identification of areas where species conservation can be accepted by the majority.
Measures to promote urban biodiversity are most successful when they are ecologically sensible and socially acceptable. By combining knowledge about the habitats and behaviors of urban animals with people’s acceptance of them, urban planning can effectively promote animal welfare in cities while minimizing conflicts between humans and animals. The study’s findings suggest that wildlife protection in city parks is generally accepted by residents, while there may be resistance to conservation efforts in the immediate living environment, such as on balconies or in apartments.
Overall, the study sheds light on the complex relationship between city residents and urban animals, highlighting the importance of understanding residents’ attitudes towards different animal species and their preferred locations. By incorporating these preferences into urban planning and conservation efforts, cities can create more harmonious environments for both people and animals.
