At least one way to position these strategies is people-first, to appeal to a large percentage of people who are mostly self-interested:
Implementing bird-friendly building designs and reducing light pollution to prevent deadly collisions >>> Reducing light pollution to facilitate rest and deep sleep (for people)
Transitioning to more humane and ecologically sound pest control methods >>> Reducing accidental poisoning of precious pets
Protecting and restoring critical habitats like wetlands that support biodiversity >>> Prevent flooding and economic destruction of homes from building in unsuitable environments
Depending upon who is receiving the message, this could make difference, and the end result can be the same.
Thank you, Lisa, for your thoughtful feedback. Your suggestions for framing conservation strategies in a more people-centric way are insightful and could help broaden the appeal of our message.
Highlighting the direct benefits to humans, such as improved sleep from reduced light pollution, preventing accidental poisoning of pets, and protecting homes from flooding, can make these important initiatives more relatable and compelling to a wider audience. It's a great way to show that what's good for wildlife is also good for us.
I appreciate your input and will certainly consider these perspectives in my future articles. Together, we can create a more harmonious world for both people and wildlife.
I was enchanted and then horrified by the wondrous story of Flaco whose escape to nature in NY led to his death by rodent pesticides! Such a spectacular bird; my heart cries for him. I hope he found joy in his year of freedom. And I hope he is an ambassador for abandoning deadly, toxic pesticides for rodents. Do they not deserve consideration too?
I confess to less admiration of flamingos, not their fault. My years spent in areas where plastic replicas were everywhere put me off on them, I fear. Perhaps seeing the real creatures would cure that notion.
Thank you, Judith, for your heartfelt note. I appreciate your empathy and concern for Flaco. His story indeed brought both enchantment and heartbreak, highlighting the urgent need to reconsider our use of toxic rodenticides. Flaco's year of freedom, despite its tragic end, serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience and beauty of wildlife, and we hope his legacy will inspire meaningful change in how we manage pest control.
As for the flamingo, I understand your initial reservations. Perhaps seeing these magnificent birds in their natural splendor could shift perspectives, much like Flaco did for many. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and for being part of this important conversation on wildlife conservation.
Wonderful article on animal ambassadors. It gives me hope that humans will find appreciation if not awe through the presence and the messages that birds bring to us, sometimes in unexpected places. Thank you, Ed.
At least one way to position these strategies is people-first, to appeal to a large percentage of people who are mostly self-interested:
Implementing bird-friendly building designs and reducing light pollution to prevent deadly collisions >>> Reducing light pollution to facilitate rest and deep sleep (for people)
Transitioning to more humane and ecologically sound pest control methods >>> Reducing accidental poisoning of precious pets
Protecting and restoring critical habitats like wetlands that support biodiversity >>> Prevent flooding and economic destruction of homes from building in unsuitable environments
Depending upon who is receiving the message, this could make difference, and the end result can be the same.
Thank you, Lisa, for your thoughtful feedback. Your suggestions for framing conservation strategies in a more people-centric way are insightful and could help broaden the appeal of our message.
Highlighting the direct benefits to humans, such as improved sleep from reduced light pollution, preventing accidental poisoning of pets, and protecting homes from flooding, can make these important initiatives more relatable and compelling to a wider audience. It's a great way to show that what's good for wildlife is also good for us.
I appreciate your input and will certainly consider these perspectives in my future articles. Together, we can create a more harmonious world for both people and wildlife.
I was enchanted and then horrified by the wondrous story of Flaco whose escape to nature in NY led to his death by rodent pesticides! Such a spectacular bird; my heart cries for him. I hope he found joy in his year of freedom. And I hope he is an ambassador for abandoning deadly, toxic pesticides for rodents. Do they not deserve consideration too?
I confess to less admiration of flamingos, not their fault. My years spent in areas where plastic replicas were everywhere put me off on them, I fear. Perhaps seeing the real creatures would cure that notion.
Thank you, Judith, for your heartfelt note. I appreciate your empathy and concern for Flaco. His story indeed brought both enchantment and heartbreak, highlighting the urgent need to reconsider our use of toxic rodenticides. Flaco's year of freedom, despite its tragic end, serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience and beauty of wildlife, and we hope his legacy will inspire meaningful change in how we manage pest control.
As for the flamingo, I understand your initial reservations. Perhaps seeing these magnificent birds in their natural splendor could shift perspectives, much like Flaco did for many. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and for being part of this important conversation on wildlife conservation.
It would be a nightmare in a world without animals.They are all amazing.Thanks
What a powerful closing paragraph, Ed. "May we".....Oh how I hope we do!
Amen! Thank you, Yvonne!
Wonderful article on animal ambassadors. It gives me hope that humans will find appreciation if not awe through the presence and the messages that birds bring to us, sometimes in unexpected places. Thank you, Ed.
I’m always in awe of animals being in strange places, esp due to climate change.
Here’s a reel on the goats!
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C8nWxIsSqeJ/?igsh=MWQ3dWVkdW1xczFyMA==
Thanks, Squizz. I have a Goats to the Rescue Part 2 coming out later this week...
Awesome!! :). These frog saunas are neat! https://theconversation.com/our-frog-saunas-could-help-save-endangered-species-from-the-devastating-chytrid-fungus-231605
Thanks for all the great ideas!