Use of structural equation modeling to explore influences on perceptions of ecosystem services and disservices attributed to birds in Singapore

Abstract

Birds are among the most visible and charismatic forms of urban biodiversity. Urban birds provide important ecosystem services but are also associated with some disservices. How urban residents perceive these services and disservices, and the factors shaping these perceptions, are not well understood. We studied how awareness of birds in the landscape, knowledge of bird species, and nature relatedness influence these perceptions. For this purpose, we conducted a questionnaire survey of 1000 Singapore residents. We used structural equation modeling to explore relationships between socio-demographics and past nature-related experiences on bird awareness, bird knowledge and nature relatedness, and to understand how these personal factors affect perceptions of ecosystem services and disservices. Despite their mainly low awareness and knowledge of birds, respondents were generally positive in their responses and expressed few concerns regarding disservices. Perceptions of regulation and maintenance services were positively related to bird knowledge. Perceptions of cultural services were positively influenced by bird awareness and nature relatedness, and stronger nature relatedness was important for decreasing associations with bird disservices. Successful implementation of ecosystem services management should firstly understand citizens’ perceptions, and include efforts to increase bird knowledge and awareness through activities such as public education and outreach campaigns.