Abstract
An understanding of public preference for species is critical for conservation efforts because successful conservation action often requires human intervention. In this study, we introduce a novel research approach using toy models to assess wildlife preference and perceived masculinity/femininity among children and adults in multi-generation households across a spectrum of socio-demographic and household-level characteristics. The golden retriever, gray wolf, monarch butterfly, and lion were the most preferred species for both children and adults. The lion, bull shark, wild boar, gray wolf, and black bear were ranked by parents as the most masculine and the monarch butterfly and flamingo most feminine. We observed differences in preference based on gender, race, ownership of pets, and household participation in hunting or bird watching. These findings suggest significant preference overlap between children and adults and the possibility of intergenerational transfer of gendered preferences for wildlife species.
