ABSTRACT

Predator Free 2050 (PF2050) is an ambitious goal that aims to remove three types of invasive mammals from New Zealand by 2050. It will require a significant amount of funding, research, and support. Young adults will have an important role to play for this programme to be successful. Therefore, understanding the awareness and attitudes of young adults towards PF2050, and predator control, is an essential consideration. A survey of 1479 18- to 24-year-olds was conducted in 2017. The results showed that a higher percentage of young adults than members of the broader public view the small, introduced mammals as threats to New Zealand’s environment. Furthermore, this study highlights support for the control of feral, stray, and domestic cats. More focused research on attitudes towards cats is recommended to gauge which control methods are approved of by young adults. Indeed, methods appear to be a key factor to young adults supporting PF2050. The aerial distribution of poison was largely viewed negatively, and moderate concern was expressed about the targeted animal’s welfare. Interestingly, young adults appeared to be open to the use of gene editing and gene drive, although they expressed caution. Targeted communication towards young adults on toxins and genetic methods is recommended.

摘要

“2050 年无捕食者”(PF2050) 是一个雄心勃勃的目标，旨在到 2050 年从新西兰消除三种入侵哺乳动物。它需要大量的资金、研究和支持。年轻人将为该计划的成功发挥重要作用。因此，了解年轻人对 PF2050 和捕食者控制的认识和态度是一个重要的考虑因素。2017 年对 1479 名 18 至 24 岁的人进行了一项调查。结果显示，与广大公众相比，认为小型外来哺乳动物对新西兰环境构成威胁的年轻人比例更高。此外，这项研究强调了对控制野猫、流浪猫和家猫的支持。建议对猫的态度进行更集中的研究，以衡量年轻人认可哪些控制方法。事实上，方法似乎是年轻人支持 PF2050 的关键因素。人们对毒药在空中的分布大多持负面看法，并对目标动物的福利表示中等程度的担忧。有趣的是，年轻人似乎对使用基因编辑和基因驱动持开放态度，尽管他们表示谨慎。建议针对年轻人进行有关毒素和遗传方法的有针对性的沟通。年轻人似乎对使用基因编辑和基因驱动持开放态度，但他们表示谨慎。建议针对年轻人进行有关毒素和遗传方法的有针对性的沟通。年轻人似乎对使用基因编辑和基因驱动持开放态度，但他们表示谨慎。建议针对年轻人进行有关毒素和遗传方法的有针对性的沟通。