In the next section we consider other limitations of anthropomorphism as a tool for conservation. Potential negative Aurora Kinase inhibitor outcomes of anthropomorphism as a conservation tool Here we discuss three kinds of negative outcomes of anthropomorphizing non-human species. In the first kind, an apparently positive outcome conflicts with conservation goals. In the second kind, animals violate the social expectations raised by their anthropomorphization, creating conflict with humans. Finally, non-human species can take on pejorative social stereotypes, with negative effects on their conservation. A main goal of

using empathetic anthropomorphism as a conservation tool is to promote care and protection of individuals of a species. But producing SBE-��-CD in vivo a caring attitude towards individual non-humans can negatively affect conservation goals. Research to promote humans caring for other humans shows that willingness to contribute to humans in need is greatest when the information given with the request for help is focused on a single individual identified with a picture (Kogut and Ritov 2005). Slovic (2007) claims that most people will exert great effort to help alleviate individual suffering.

These same people, however, can become “numbly indifferent to the plight of individuals who are ‘one of many’ in a much greater problem” (p. 79). Slovic (2007) provides cattle and canine examples of how this phenomenon also functions with human perceptions of nonhuman animals. The feeling of indifference and associated lack of action begins at two individuals (Slovic 2007). Because anthropomorphism can draw people’s attention to individuals, it is equipped to heighten medroxyprogesterone care. Further research is needed, however, to determine whether anthropomorphism is effective or destructive

in teaching caring actions for complex concepts, such as ecosystems and biodiversity. As Chan (2012) notes, a caring attitude directed at individuals rather than systems can act as a limitation to conservation. Chan (2012) cites a hypothetical example whereby anthropomorphizing one species heightens care for that species and leads to public support for the killing of a competitor or predator species. Another possibility is that a caring attitude would conflict with conservation actions such as control of zoo populations in breeding programs, culling, trapping or tagging. As a case in point, breeding programs for threatened species in zoos are divided about whether it is better to prevent unwanted crosses entering the gene pool through the use of contraceptives (more efficient), or by allowing animals with unplanned pregnancies to experience natural Selleckchem Autophagy Compound Library offspring-raising behaviors, followed by euthanizing these offspring when they reach adulthood (argued to be more caring) (Kaufman 2012).