Synopsis
Environmental education is a major stated goal of most modern zoos, and an important aspect of their social licence. Some material is however of questionable accuracy, potentially undermining these efforts.
Aims
This project will establish a citizen science approach to collecting zoo signage information, and aims to identify patterns of accuracy and inaccuracy, and the factors underlying them, potentially stimulating a tightening up for information dissemination in this important context.
Student benefits
This is predominantly a desk-based study but field-trips for data collection to at least one local zoo will be supported. Through this project you will learn how to:
- Establish and run a citizen or participatory science project
- Extract accurate information on conservation status and ecology of species held in captivity
- Carry out statistical analysis
- Write a scientific paper
- Collaborate with conservation professionals in industry (external co-supervisor)