Public support for conserving Australian reptile species: a case study of global relevance

Places the conservation status of Australian reptile species in global context and examines the pattern of public support for conserving different species of tropical Australian reptiles. The percentage of respondents favouring survival of each of the species is reported and also the average amount respondents state they are willing to allocate from a fixed funding pie for the conservation of each. The relationship between these variables and participants' stated likeability of the reptile species is investigated. Strong positive association exists between likeability and both of the above-mentioned variables. However, the degree of comparative endangerment of species may also strongly influence participants' allocation of conservation funds. Relative support for the survival and conservation of the focal reptile species accords with the ranking expected on the basis of Judaic-Christian traditions. Nevertheless, more support for the conservation of the focal reptiles, even for the least liked species, occurs than this tradition would suggest.