Conservation Biology Service Learning Poster Session
Birds of Prey and Agriculture
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Junior
Major
Wildlife and Conservation Biology
2nd Student Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Junior
2nd Student Major
Wildlife and Conservation Biology
3rd Student Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
3rd Student Major
Wildlife and Conservation Biology
4th Student Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
4th Student Major
Wildlife and Conservation Biology
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Howard Whiteman
Presentation Format
Poster Presentation
Abstract/Description
Birds of prey have a history of predation on livestock. The objective of our project was to identify common relationships between birds of prey and farmers. These relationships include perceptions farmers hold about birds of prey, as well as their personal experiences with these birds. To achieve our objective we conducted an online survey of farmers, using social media (Facebook) to share our survey and reach our target audience. In addition to our online survey, we conducted a tabling event at a local farm supply store to collect additional data from the public. Currently we have 68 completed surveys. Common trends revealed benefits as rabbit control, rodent control, and carrion removal; conflicts as poultry and calf predation; most conflicts being with hawks (37.1%) and vultures (29%); most benefits being from hawks (37.9%), owls (33.3), and vultures (25.8%); farmers being mostly unconcerned with conflicts (42.4% least concern); and farmers being mostly very unlikely to reach out for help with such conflicts (42.4% very unlikely). Our findings will aid in the management of birds of prey in the context of human conflict in agricultural settings by providing a look at public concerns before future conflicts occur. With our results managers have the opportunity to spread relevant information. Our group will also offer education that is relative to specific public concerns regarding birds of prey in agricultural settings. Our group’s educational outreach will include emails sent directly to individual farmers (those who asked for additional information when surveyed), as well as a broader educational post on social media.
Spring Scholars Week 2023 Event
Conservation Biology Service Learning Poster Session
Birds of Prey and Agriculture
Birds of prey have a history of predation on livestock. The objective of our project was to identify common relationships between birds of prey and farmers. These relationships include perceptions farmers hold about birds of prey, as well as their personal experiences with these birds. To achieve our objective we conducted an online survey of farmers, using social media (Facebook) to share our survey and reach our target audience. In addition to our online survey, we conducted a tabling event at a local farm supply store to collect additional data from the public. Currently we have 68 completed surveys. Common trends revealed benefits as rabbit control, rodent control, and carrion removal; conflicts as poultry and calf predation; most conflicts being with hawks (37.1%) and vultures (29%); most benefits being from hawks (37.9%), owls (33.3), and vultures (25.8%); farmers being mostly unconcerned with conflicts (42.4% least concern); and farmers being mostly very unlikely to reach out for help with such conflicts (42.4% very unlikely). Our findings will aid in the management of birds of prey in the context of human conflict in agricultural settings by providing a look at public concerns before future conflicts occur. With our results managers have the opportunity to spread relevant information. Our group will also offer education that is relative to specific public concerns regarding birds of prey in agricultural settings. Our group’s educational outreach will include emails sent directly to individual farmers (those who asked for additional information when surveyed), as well as a broader educational post on social media.