FEATHERS IN THE PRESS: HOW MEDIA COVERAGE SHAPES BIRD CONSERVATION

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to analyze the media coverage and impact of five different bird conservation cases, namely Recovery of the California Condor population, Bird collisions with buildings, Plastic pollution in oceans affecting seabirds, Illegal bird trade in Southeast Asia, and the conservation of the Spoon-billed Sandpiper.Research Methodology. For this study, we conducted a literature review of relevant articles, news reports, and scientific papers on the five selected cases. We analyzed the media coverage and impact of these cases using a table format, which included information such as the research data, case description, media coverage, media impact, and suggestions for future coverage.Results. Our analysis revealed that the media plays a crucial role in raising awareness and driving action on bird conservation issues. For example, in the case of the Recovery of the California Condor population, the media coverage helped to create public support for conservation efforts. Similarly, in the case of the Illegal bird trade in Southeast Asia, media coverage raised public awareness, leading to policy changes and stricter law enforcement. However, our analysis also revealed that some cases received less media coverage than others. For instance, the issue of Bird collisions with buildings received less attention, despite being a significant threat to bird populations globally. We suggest that the media can use interactive techniques, such as virtual reality experiences, to increase public awareness of this issue and drive action towards reducing bird collisions.Novelty. This study’s novelty lies in its comprehensive analysis of media coverage and impact across five different bird conservation cases. We provide suggestions for future coverage and highlight the importance of media engagement in driving conservation efforts.Practical Importance. Our analysis provides insights into the media’s role in bird conservation and suggests strategies for effective coverage of these issues. This study’s practical importance lies in its potential to drive action and create public support for bird conservation efforts globally.Key words: Bird conservation, Media coverage, Media impact, California Condor, Bird collisions, Plastic pollution, Illegal bird trade, Spoon-billed Sandpiper.