Gender difference in biospheric values and opinions on nature management actions: The case of seal watching in Iceland

Gender differences in biospheric value orientation and opinions on wildlife management have the potential to be used as a management tool in wildlife watching settings. In this research note, we build on a dataset from Chauvat et al. (2021) to investigate gender differences in biospheric value orientation and opinions on seal watching management of visitors at seal watching sites post hoc. Questionnaires (n = 597) were collected at three sites in Northwest Iceland. It was found that when genders were compared, women had stronger biospheric value orientations, were more aware of potential anthropogenic impacts on seals, believed to a higher extent that regulations were useful in terms of decreasing impact, and were more positive towards most management actions suggested in the questionnaire. We argue that further understanding of the gender dynamics regarding pro-environmental attitudes may be a valuable element in the context of sustainable wildlife tourism management.

Automated summary

In this study, gender differences in biospheric value orientation and opinions on seal watching management were investigated. The findings revealed that women had stronger biospheric value orientations, higher awareness of anthropogenic impacts on seals, a belief in the usefulness of regulations in reducing impact, and a more positive attitude towards suggested management actions. Understanding the gender dynamics in pro-environmental attitudes is crucial for sustainable wildlife tourism management.