'What is wildlife?': the influence of research informed teaching and work-experience on wildlife conservation students

Abstract

Survey-based research was conducted into how students taking a BSc degree in Wildlife Conservation perceived the term 'wildlife', what type of wildlife interested them and what sort of wildlife-related careers they would like. The relationship between these responses and their exposure to research informed teaching, non-HE associated work-experience and hobbies was investigated. Results showed that students tended to perceive 'wildlife' to be charismatic fauna and their associated habitats, and that students aspired to careers involving such animals, often in exotic, overseas locations. Interests, career aspirations, and perceptions of 'wildlife' broadened with student age and progression through the degree, and this seemed to be more closely related to their work-experiences than to research informed teaching.