Research in Human Dimensions
Human dimensions of wildlife conservation
Susan Jacobson
My research program focuses on the social dimensions of natural resource management; emphasizing the development and evaluation of environmental education, interpretation, and public outreach programs; and conservation and sustainable development in the tropics.
Example projects
- Evaluation of community-based conservation programs in Africa
- Design and assessment of conservation education and outreach for Latin American protected areas
- Public knowledge and attitudes about endangered species and resource management in Florida
Urban wildlife & eco-friendly development and education
Mark Hostetler
This research explores how landscape structure and land use affects the distribution of wildlife communities in urban environments. We also are developing and evaluating environmental education programs that will increase public awareness and participation in eco-friendly developments and increase people’s awareness and interaction with wildlife and the environment.
Example projects
- Effects of scale, landscape structure, and land use on the distribution of urban birds.
- Developing environmental educational programs for a proposed eco-friendly development in Harmony, FL http://www.harmonyinstitute.org/
Environmental Education
Martin Main
The high level of interest among the public regarding wildlife and natural resources has led to an increase in demand for educational components to be included in environmental experiences. Ecotourism ventures will not be competitive unless naturalists and interpretive guides provide consistently accurate information on what is being observed. This program is designed to train and offer resources for naturalists and guides working in Florida.
Example projects
- Florida Master Naturalist program – see http://www.masternaturalist.ifas.ufl.edu
Avian disturbance and ecotourism
Peter Frederick
This research combines an understanding of biological effects of human activities in bird concentration areas with studies of tourist satisfaction to yield sustainable management plans for nesting colonies.
Example projects
- Effects of human disturbance on Wood Stork nesting success and breeding behavior in the Brazilian Pantanal
- Human disturbance in Everglades wading bird colonies.
