The environmental identity (EID) scale, first published in 2003, was developed to measure individual differences in a stable sense of interdependence and connectedness with nature. Since then, it has been reliably correlated with measures of environmental behavior and concern. However, the original scale was developed based on U.S. college students, raising questions about its validity for other types of populations. This study revised the EID scale and tested it in five countries (four continents) with a total sample size of 1717 participants. Results support strong internal consistency across all locations. Importantly, EID was significantly correlated with behavior and with environmental concern. This research gives us greater confidence that the EID construct is meaningful across different cultural contexts. Because the revised EID was designed to be relevant to a wider range of people and experiences, it is recommended as a replacement for the 2003 version.

Proximity, the physical distance between visitors and wildlife, has been suggested as a potential factor contributing to high-quality wildlife viewing experiences. Managing visitor proximity to wildlife through interpretation and regulation is a recognized strategy to improve the safety of visitors and the species they encounter during ecotourism experiences in parks and protected areas. To further understand the important elements that influence proximity preferences for wildlife viewing, this study used an interpretivist approach to explore the experiences of visitors (n = 43) at Denali National Park & Preserve (Alaska, U.S.A). Results indicate that five interrelated themes influence visitors’ desired proximity to wildlife. Study findings also highlight the importance of park unit-specific management, and the need to manage at a unit-specific level the expectations for wildlife viewing proximity. Practitioners can use these findings to inform wildlife viewing management, increase visitor safety, and positively influence visitor experiences.

Advances in conservation psychology have demonstrated a growing public demand for connections to nature in general, and wildlife specifically. Charismatic megafauna have been used as flagship species, as they possess many characteristics to which the public can relate. Internet based webcams are emerging as an egalitarian mediator for bringing flagship exposure to the global public. This study examined if flagship exposure via a webcam was able to produce desired flagship responses, and if online responses were comparable to onsite experiences. A quantitative survey of Katmai National Park and Preserve brown bear viewers yielded 235 on-site and 5628 online responses. Real time, online viewing of brown bears was highly effective in generating flagship responses within viewers and the ability of online viewing to generate a positive emotional connection to bears was observed. Webcams can provide a global reach, minimize impacts, overcome socio-economic barriers, and provide multiple points of engagement across cultures.

Sustainable tourism experiences seek to inspire tourists to perform behaviors that enhance the environment on site and at home. In sustainable wildlife tourism, flagship species are used as icons to attract attention for conservation initiatives. Parks and protected areas also rely on flagship species to attract visitation. Expected tourist responses from the use of flagship species include raising concern and stimulating pro-conservation behaviors. However, flagship-based ecotourism has been criticized for not delivering expected conservation benefits for species of interest or biodiversity, and having negative impacts for wildlife on site. Using interactional theory as a framework, this study investigated the potential of the African “Big 5”, and eight other commonly observed African species, to stimulate an emotional connection and intention to perform species and biodiversity oriented conservation behaviors. Data were obtained from 416 tourists at Kilimanjaro Airport and analyzed with structural equation modeling. Tourists reported a connection to all 13 species, and this connection was strongly predictive of species and biodiversity oriented behavioral intentions. No differences were observed between the traditional “Big 5” and additional species. Results suggest that species beyond the “Big 5” may be effective flagship species for African parks and protected areas and the associated tourism industry.

Exposure to nature is correlated with improving mental health and pro-conservation attitudes. Emerging research suggests digital nature exposure may also produce these outcomes. This article used a qualitative approach to evaluate the impact of viewing wildlife-oriented webcams on mental health and pro-conservation attitudes. Data were obtained from 6968 online surveys. Viewers reported improvements in mental health, and positive changes in perceptions of nature and pro-conservation attitudes. Digital exposure to nature, via wildlife webcams, is capable of delivering positive improvements to individuals’ mental health and quality of life, as well as conservation outcomes. Ease of access and affordability positions wildlife webcams as a powerful tool to contribute to mental health and conservation efforts.

Recently, some zoos have begun utilizing technology to improve interpretation outcomes. Using the I-Change model, this study evaluated the efficacy of the interactive TigerTrek Exhibit (Taronga Zoo) in influencing visitors’ tiger conservation attitudes and behaviors. The I-Change model is a holistic framework for evaluating behavior change. Pre-visit (n = 514), post-visit (n = 609), six-week post (n = 106), and six-month post (n = 24) survey data were collected from visitors. Results indicated an increase in concern that all palm oil is grown unsustainably, which was counter to interpretive messaging. After six-weeks and six-months post-visit, 29% of respondents purchased a product because it contained certified sustainable palm oil. However, 50% of six-week respondents had actively avoided buying a product because it contained any palm oil. By understanding visitors’ perceptions of messaging and the types of behaviors they are willing to engage in, zoos can more effectively achieve their conservation goals.