Wildlife value orientations of prospective conservation and wildlife management professionals

This study examined wildlife value orientations (WVOs) among university students on MScs focusing on the environment, nature management and conservation, animal science and disease control - in short, wildlife majors - who are pre-professional. It used a US survey instrument on WVOs delivered via an Internet-based questionnaire in 2018 (n = 180). Most respondents were mutualists. Forest and Nature Management students were more utilitarian than students on other MSc programs. The results can be used to check on, or anticipate, potential differences in value orientation between stakeholders and the public, and they may help to improve communication and limit potential conflict. Whether wildlife professionals or the public should (potentially) adjust their values is an open question. Future studies should explore value orientations of accomplished conservation and wildlife management professionals.