Wildlife viewing provides many physical, social, and emotional benefits, like getting outside and having fun.
Photo by Uriel Mont.

By Kelsey Jennings, Ashley Dayer, and Willandia Chaves.

Read the full paper here.

Watching wildlife is an incredibly popular form of outdoor recreation enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds. Yet, despite its popularity, there are significant barriers that prevent equal participation. Historical and structural barriers, like limited access to green spaces and variable cultural histories with the outdoors, have led to wildlife viewing being dominated by White participants in the US, Europe, and Australia. As we work to promote inclusivity in outdoor recreation, understanding the factors that encourage wildlife viewing is a valuable approach. Our research explored the growing interest in wildlife viewing, especially among Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC). We specifically aimed to understand how factors like self-identity as a wildlife viewer, social support from friends, family, peers, and mentors, and the importance of wildlife viewing to one’s life influence participation across various groups. Using a survey of wildlife viewers, we found that many BIPOC groups participate less in viewing and identify as wildlife viewers at lower rates than their White counterparts. However, they also indicated that viewing was more important to their lives and that support networks significantly encouraged their participation, especially away from home.

These findings suggest that to persist in wildlife viewing, BIPOC groups rely on social support structures, and those who continue to view are highly committed to viewing. To further encourage wildlife viewers, we suggest finding ways to promote social or group opportunities and work to develop mentorship structures for those new to wildlife viewing. We also highlight the need for inclusive representation in wildlife viewing programs to encourage self-identity as a wildlife viewer and work to reframe beliefs that wildlife viewing is a White activity. In the future, research should aim to explore intersectionality, or the overlap of multiple minoritized identities, and develop strategies to foster meaningful engagement in wildlife viewing among diverse populations for both existing and potentially interested participants. Ultimately, supporting BIPOC wildlife viewers is a key piece in promoting equity and appreciation for the natural world in an increasingly diverse society.