Dear Danilo,

I found a good study which can help you in your study. Schlegel & Rupf (2010) applied an a  questionnaire to a total of 415 students from two different Swiss primary schools, grammar schools and agricultural schools as well as students from a Swiss University of Applied Sciences. They asked the students about their attitudes towards 27 different indigenous wildlife animal species. In the questionnaire, six mammal, five bird, two reptile, four amphibian and ten insect species, all with potential flagship quality, were individually presented on a colour photograph without any further background information. The participants were also asked to give individual reasons for species-related affinity or antipathy. In addition, it was ascertained whether they were able to correctly identify and name each species.

The survey shows a heterogeneous pattern, whereby butterflies, birds and most mammals are, on average, more higher appreciated than reptiles, insects (excl. butterflies) and amphibians. Furthermore, it becomes evident that attitudes do not only depend on the species themselves, but also on other factors, particularly the type of educational institution attended. In general, there is no significant difference in attitudes to animals between males and females. At species level, females show significantly higher affinity for 'loveable animals' and a lesser degree of affinity for 'fear-relevant animals'. Respondents seem to show higher affinity for species they can identify than for unfamiliar species. The authors postulate that providing targeted background information in educational institutions might help soften rigid thinking patterns by strengthening appreciation for less attractive animals.

This is the citation of the study: Schlegel, J., & Rupf, R. (2010). Attitudes towards potential animal flagship species in nature conservation: a survey among students of different educational institutions. Journal for Nature Conservation, 18(4), 278-290.

Good luck‏

Dear Danilo,

Thanks for your question. I have not come across a template questionnaire for biodiversity conservation but researchers geared towards soliciting for attitudinal responses to biodiversity develop some for the use of such purposes like what was cited by Hafidha. I think it would be a great research goal to develop a well-structured questionnaire that could be used as a model/ template for ascertaining the attitudes of people regarding the use and conservation of biodiversity.

The link between the behavioral patterns of people and the use and/or conservation of biodiversity is important to be looked into. After all, the driving force behind our decisions regarding the bio-resources in our environment rests in the values, moral principles that mold our attitudes. A questionnaire that journies into this domain in biodiversity conservation research would be a remarkable achievement and a giant data collection tool for researchers in this field.

Thank you for the responses! Such a big help!

Hello. I am in urgent need of this type of questionnaire for my master thesis. I appreciate your assistance. Thank you.