Beyond pictures: Children’s perceptions of wildlife conservation through art at Kasungu National Park, Malawi
McCarthy, Chris, Zuza, Emmanuel Junior, Banda, Lumbani Benedicto, Hanson, Jonathan H, Kachanba, Daud Jones, Chisambi, Cornelius, Kumanga, Ndaona and Luciano, Lawrence (2026) Beyond pictures: Children’s perceptions of wildlife conservation through art at Kasungu National Park, Malawi. Human Dimensions of Wildlife. pp. 1-9. ISSN 1087-1209
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zuza july 2026 manuscript.docx - Accepted Version Restricted to Registered users only until 21 December 2027. Available under License Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial No Derivatives. Download (3MB) | Request a copy |
Abstract
Wildlife decline is a critical concern in sub-Saharan Africa, where human activities increasingly threaten biodiversity around protected areas. This study examined wildlife conservation perceptions among 150 children (aged 8 to 14) from two primary schools near Kasungu National Park, Malawi, using a structured questionnaire and participatory drawing exercises. While students showed strong conservation values, only 45.3% could name a verified KNP species when asked which animals near the park are disappearing. Student artwork was dominated by environmental threats, with 89.3% depicting deforestation and habitat destruction. Only 4.0% showed positive futures or human–wildlife coexistence, while 11.3% explicitly stated “no animals,” suggesting some children envision futures without wildlife. Teachers and parents emerged as the most trusted information sources, followed by traditional authorities and village chiefs. These findings highlight the need for targeted conservation education that incorporates local knowledge and builds on trusted relationships to foster wildlife appreciation among future generations.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Additional Information: | This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis in Human Dimensions of Wildlife on 21/7/2026, available at: https://doi.org/10.1080/10871209.2026.2691796 |
| Keywords: | Biodiversity conservation, conservation education, environmental education, malawi, protected areas, wildlife conservation |
| Divisions: | Agriculture, Science and Practice |
| Depositing User: | Dr Emmanuel Zuza |
| Date Deposited: | 13 Jul 2026 13:00 |
| Last Modified: | 13 Jul 2026 13:00 |
| URI: | https://rau.repository.guildhe.ac.uk/id/eprint/17108 |
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