Exploring rural landowners’ willingness to protect species at risk in Prince Edward Island

摘要

The Canadian Species at Risk Act exists to prevent the extinction of species in Canada. However, the Act does not provide protection for species or their habitats on private lands, except for listed migratory birds or aquatic species. Voluntary stewardship is therefore necessary to conserve species at risk on private land, making the willingness of landowners to do this crucial for conservation. This paper presents a case study of rural private landowners in Prince Edward Island and explores relationships between voluntary stewardship activities of private landowners and knowledge and attitudes towards protection of species at risk. Data were collected using both qualitative and quantitative approaches, including semi-structured interviews of rural private landowners and a quantitative questionnaire for farmers. Most participants knew what was meant by the term "species at risk" but had little knowledge of the federal Act. Almost all agreed with the importance of protecting species at risk, particularly their habitat, and most said they would voluntarily change their land management practices to protect them. Many landowners expressed a need for more education and direction from government in managing their land to benefit species at risk.