Public awareness on wildlife conservation: A systematic literature review

Abstract

Background: Wildlife conservation has become an increasingly urgent global issue as biodiversity continues to decline. Despite the critical importance of conservation, public awareness regarding its significance varies widely across different countries. By exploring how different countries approach this issue, the study seeks to identify strategies to improve awareness and contribute to the global discourse on wildlife preservation. Methods: This research employed a qualitative approach using a systematic literature review. The review process utilized tools such as Publish or Perish software and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to ensure a comprehensive analysis. A total of nine journal articles were selected for comparison through a structured identification and screening process. Relationships among the data were further analyzed and visualized using VOSviewer software, providing an in-depth understanding of the trends and patterns in public awareness and conservation strategies across different countries. Findings: The results of the systematic literature review revealed that all nine countries studied recognize the importance of wildlife conservation in preserving biodiversity. Despite this shared understanding, the strategies employed to enhance public awareness differ significantly, reflecting cultural, social, and institutional contexts. Effective methods identified include integrated communication strategies, which involve mass media and public relations campaigns to disseminate conservation messages. Educational initiatives, such as incorporating conservation topics into school curricula and public lectures, also emerged as key approaches. Additionally, leveraging animal-related content, including videos and storytelling rooted in local wisdom, has proven effective in engaging communities and fostering a deeper connection to conservation efforts. Novelty/Originality of this article: This research contributes to the field of wildlife conservation by providing a comparative analysis of public awareness strategies across diverse countries. The study highlights the critical role of public awareness in ensuring the success of conservation programs and offers actionable insights into how different approaches can be adapted to various contexts. The novelty lies in its emphasis on cross-cultural strategies, enabling countries to learn from one another and adopt best practices to enhance public participation in conservation efforts.