The longevity and effectiveness of celebrity conservation: mutualism versus dominion

Abstract

Unprecedented biodiversity loss calls for improved conservation methods. Celebrity conservationists, public figures who advocate for the protection of biodiversity and imperiled species through their developed public platforms, offer part of the solution. Such pseudo-celebrities are effective at bridging the knowledge gap between lay people who have the power to enact change and scientists that hold the solutions to biodiversity loss. A celebrity conservationist typically employs one of two methods: mutualism or dominion. While both emphasize the importance of education, mutualism targets the protection of a species by restricting human behaviors while dominion prioritizes human pursuits by restricting wildlife behavior. Analysis conducted on three conservation celebrities, Jane Goodall, Steve Irwin, and Dian Fossey reveals variations in the longevity and effectiveness of their conservation efforts. Goodall and Fossey's mutualistic approach to conservation has contributed to the success of their subsequent conservation organizations. Unlike Irwin, Jane Goodall and Dian Fossey's efforts have improved species populations, preserved significant acreage of land for target species, and donated millions to conservation efforts of target species. This analysis is important as it highlights areas in which we can improve and expand conservation efforts to save species biodiversity.