Global biodiversity loss is indicative of the massive influence of human activity that defines the Anthropocene. Some scholars argue that changes in behaviour at the scale necessary to address this crisis will require wholesale change in cultural values. However, evidence is lacking on whether values are shifting. To better understand this phenomenon, we analysed long-term, large-scale trend data regarding wildlife values in the United States, collected through a 19-state survey in 2004 (n = 12,673) and 2017–2018 (n = 20,674). Findings confirmed an increased endorsement of mutualism values (seeing wildlife as part of one’s social community and deserving of rights like humans) accompanied by a decline in values emphasizing domination (treating wildlife as resources to be used for human benefit), a trend further visible in cross-generational cohort analysis. We also found strong associations between state-level values and trends in urbanization, connecting the shift to macro-level socioeconomic factors. Results suggest positive outcomes for conservation but the field’s ability to adapt will be critical to realizing those outcomes.

全球生物多样性的丧失表明人类活动对人类世的巨大影响。一些学者认为，应对这种危机所必需的规模上的行为改变将要求文化价值观的全面改变。但是，缺乏关于价值是否正在转变的证据。为了更好地理解这种现象，我们分析了美国野生动植物价值的长期，大规模趋势数据，这些数据是通过2004年（n  = 12,673）和2017–2018（n = 20,674）。研究结果证实，人们对共同价值观念的认可度有所提高（将野生动植物视为一个人的社会共同体并应像人类一样享有应有的权利），与此同时，强调主宰地位的价值却有所下降（将野生动植物作为人类可利用的资源），这一趋势在跨代队列分析。我们还发现，州一级的价值观与城市化趋势之间存在密切的联系，这与宏观社会经济因素的转变联系在一起。结果表明保护工作取得了积极成果，但该领域的适应能力对于实现这些成果至关重要。