Low human interest for the most at-risk reef fishes worldwide.
Nicolas Mouquet, Juliette Langlois, Nicolas Casajus, Arnaud Auber, Ulysse Flandrin, Fran��ois Guilhaumon, Nicolas Loiseau, Matthew McLean, Aurore Receveur, Rick D Stuart Smith, David Mouillot
Author Information
Nicolas Mouquet: MARBEC, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, IRD, Montpellier, France. ORCID
Human interest in biodiversity is essential for effective conservation action but remains poorly quantified at large scales. Here, we investigated human interest for 2408 marine reef fishes using data obtained from online public databases and social media, summarized in two synthetic dimensions, research effort and public attention. Both dimensions are mainly related to geographic range size. Research effort is also linked to fishery importance, while public attention is more related to fish aesthetic value and aquarium trade importance. We also found a strong phylogenetic bias, with certain fish families receiving disproportional research effort and public attention. Most concerningly, species at the highest risk of extinction and those most vulnerable to future climate change tend to receive less research effort and public attention. Our results provide a lens through which examining the societal attention that species garner, with the ultimate goals to improve conservation strategies, research programs, and communication plans.
References
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2019 May 28;116(22):10868-10873
[PMID: 30988189]
