Project R-16026

PERCH: Public Engagement and Research on Charisma and Human Values – Advancing Biodiversity Conservation by Linking Perception of Plants to Conservation, Developing Global Metrics for Charisma, and Mitigating Taxonomic Bias (Research)

This postdoctoral project aims to address critical knowledge gaps in public perception of biodiversity to support more inclusive conservation strategies. It combines insights from animal and plant perception data to inform biodiversity conservation at a global scale. WP1 (Public Perception of Plants, their conservation implications, and their links to invasive species) involves launching the plant perception survey (WASP-B), using a network of collaborators to ensure diverse data collection. The goal is to gather 100,000 observations by mid-2027, enabling analysis of public perceptions of plants, their aesthetic appeal, conservation status, and links to invasive species. WP2 (WASP Global Perception Metrics) focuses on developing the first global public perception metrics across species groups, including a novel metric for species charisma. These metrics will allow comparisons across taxa and ensure robustness through verification against existing perception studies. WP3 (Mitigating Taxonomic Bias) uses these metrics and global biodiversity spatial data to analyze species promotion strategies. By identifying overlaps between charismatic and ecologically vital species, the project aims to reduce taxonomic bias and promote biodiversity conservation globally. In partnership with CMK, MBG, and WildCRU, this research aligns with global frameworks like the UN SDGs and CBD, providing actionable insights for conservation science and policy.

01 November 2025 - 31 October 2028