Incorporating social-ecological concepts into flagship species selection: A case study using the North American river otter

Governmental and private conservation organizations often use flagship species (ambassadorial species that act as rallying points to stimulate conservation awareness and action) to achieve conservation goals. The ability of... [ view full abstract ]

Governmental and private conservation organizations often use flagship species (ambassadorial species that act as rallying points to stimulate conservation awareness and action) to achieve conservation goals. The ability of flagship species to raise awareness, increase knowledge and trigger behavioral changes makes this approach valuable to conservation campaigns, especially during this time of large-scale environmental concerns.  The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis), a top aquatic predator, has many physical, behavioral and ecological attributes indicative of a flagship species. For example, the river otter has been popularized through media portrayals as being charismatic, cute, and playful. Such portrayals engender public support, interest and awareness of the river otter, which contribute to enhanced recognition that the species has an obligate dependence on healthy aquatic environments. However, because the river otter is a fish-eating predator, it can sometimes elicit negative attitudes among certain stakeholders involved in commercial rearing of fish or angling, potentially diminishing its positive impact as a flagship species. This presentation will provide social science data from fish-rearing facility managers, anglers, and other aquatic recreationists throughout the United States as part of the basis for assessing the virtues and liabilities of using the river otter as a flagship species to promote aquatic conservation in the United States.