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Abstract

Web-based technologies have become a ubiquitous conservation tool in the last decade. Despite the popularity of wildlife webcams, websites, and social media, their potential to motivate environmental stewardship is speculative. A necessary first step is to determine the types of individuals who utilize these media forums, the profile of their usage, and the reasons they engage with these platforms. This study assessed demographic characteristics and viewing behavior of webcam watchers and members of a Facebook group regarding a pair of American Bald Eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) nesting on a college campus. Results from 2,930 respondents who completed an online survey indicated that half of the respondents were new to wildlife observing and knew some to little (85%) about eagle biology. Webcam watching 30 min (27%) to 2 hr (38%) daily resulted in respondents learning some to a large amount (95%) of information regarding eagle lifestyle and habitat. Qualitative analysis of Facebook posts (N = 2,049) showed gains in understanding eagle biology, emotions of caring toward eaglets, and motivation to protect them. Collectively, data suggest webcams and social media to be entry points to develop concern for wildlife and possible forums to advance wildlife knowledge and conservation among the general populace. This supports the notion in ecopsychology that knowledge of environmental issues and positive affect may be precursors to conservation actions (Johnson, Johnson-Pynn, Lugumya, Kityo, & Drescher, 2013).

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Webcams and Websites Inspire Conservation of the American Bald Eagle

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