Attitudes towards the maned wolf amongst adolescents in the southeast of Brazil

The relationships between people and carnivores are a worldwide concern for the conservation of species and habitats. The maned wolf is an endangered, endemic canid inhabiting the southeast of Brazil - highly populated and rich in biodiversity and endemism. Strategies to conserve this key stone species may benefit the also declining Cerrado biome. The attitudes of teenagers towards wild carnivores are also of worldwide interest as future citizens and future decision makers. The present study investigates the attitudes of two age groups (12-13 and 16-17) towards the maned wolf. Questionnaires aimed to identify selected attitudes, beliefs and knowledge in relation to the maned wolf in urban areas of three locations in the São Paulo state. Responses were analysed according to age groups, gender, location and experiences concerning the maned wolf. Results suggest that positive attitudes declined with age; gender have very little effect on attitudes; zoos, as well as seeing the maned wolf in nature may increase support for the conservation of the species amongst the younger group; while identification with some maned wolf attributes amongst older teens may foster intentions to help the species. Conservation strategies and environmental education can help to provide early positive experiences of contact with the maned wolf and the Cerrado and be tailored to address attitudes in different age groups. This study can inform the planning of effective environmental educational strategies to foster long term support for the conservation of the maned wolf and the Cerrado.