Beyond pictures: Children’s perceptions of wildlife conservation through art at Kasungu National Park, Malawi
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
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.
Source: Human Dimensions of Wildlife
Language: English
Subfield: Social Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7165522057