Conservation Awareness and Public Knowledge of the Endangered Southern Resident Killer Whales (Orcinus orca) on Vancouver Island, Canada

The Southern Resident Killer Whales (SRKWs) are an endangered population of Orcinus orca, with only 74 individuals remaining. This study examined public knowledge, awareness, and conservation actions regarding SRKWs among 483 residents of Vancouver Island, Canada. Guided by Value‑Belief‑Norm and Place Attachment frameworks, it was predicted that length of residence would be positively associated with SRKW knowledge and awareness, as longer‑term residents are more likely to develop emotional and cognitive bonds with local ecosystems. Results supported this prediction: longer‑term residents distinguished ecotypes, identified SRKWs, and recognized their spatial distribution more accurately. Stressors such as salmon depletion and pollution were widely acknowledged across all residency groups, yet extinction risk was less recognized, revealing the limits of awareness alone. Findings emphasize that, although residents express concern and a willingness to adopt pro‑conservation behaviors, effective recovery requires communication strategies that integrate values, norms, and efficacy beliefs to foster meaningful conservation outcomes for SRKWs.

Author dc:creator

• Pacheco, Aldo, S

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• d' Entremont, Marc

• School of environment and sustainability

Language dc:language.iso

en_US

Identifier URI

https://doi.org/10.25316/IR-20534

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:null:10613/28971