Katy Taggart went to Kenya last summer on a wildlife ecology trip and decided to create a UF club.
With her friend Chelsea Weiner, she made the Endangered Species Action Club, or Gators ENACT. Its purpose is to educate people about endangered species, the UF animal science senior said. According to a UF survey, Floridians want just that: to be informed.
Of the 502 Floridians surveyed, 60 percent said they would like to learn more about the types of endangered species.
“People don’t typically think about endangered species unless they go to a museum or a zoo,” said Ricky Telg, a UF professor and Center for Public Issues Education director.
That’s why Taggart will use the club to reach out to students, encouraging them to sign online petitions and attend Fall meetings where environmental advocates will be invited to speak.
“Once people are aware of the plights of different species, they become invested in it,” Taggart, 21, said.
Although those surveyed didn’t feel informed about endangered species, Telg said he found it interesting that people wanted to learn more about them. With the survey data, Telg said organizations can begin to “develop sound educational programs to address knowledge gaps.” He said he thinks the more informed someone is, the more willing he or she is to protect endangered species.
To help endangered animals, Taggart said students can help by cleaning up trash, recycling and becoming more educated.
The research PIE conducts has the ultimate goal of understanding public opinion to make a difference, Telg said.
“We’re trying to conduct research that will result in positive change,” he said.
[A version of this story ran on page 4 on 7/30/15]
