On crocodiles and turtles. Stereotypes, emotional tendencies and implications for conservation

ABSTRACT Even with the increasing global threat, reptiles have not been a preferential group for animal conservation due to a set of factors affecting attitudes and emotions. This research extends the current knowledge of crocodiles and turtles to stereotypes and emotional dispositions people have. Through the Stereotype Content Model, crocodiles were found to belong to the threatening-awe stereotype, generating feelings of respect and fear but also holding our attention and admiration. This stereotype is also associated with passive facilitation and active harm. Even though participants showed mild positive attitudes toward crocodile conservation and expressed intent to help a crocodile conservation trust, crocodiles ranked last in the donation preference. Turtles, on the other hand, were found to fit the protective stereotype, represented as affectionate and competent and were viewed as belonging to the in-group. These emotions reflected the participants’ predisposition for active and passive facilitation with regard to conservation attitudes and intentions.