An endemic‐rich island through the eyes of children: Wildlife identification and conservation preferences in São Tomé (Gulf of Guinea)

Species that the public knows and is willing to protect often do not align with international conservation priorities. Assessing perceptions on wildlife thus essential guide initiatives, especially in island developing states where native introduced species have contrasting values for biodiversity. We used a game assess ability of third class students São Tomé Island (São Príncipe, central Africa) identify their preferences. Students correctly identified 28% animals shown. Children who were poorer, male or from rural schools more likely species. Urban children less successful identifying endemic Príncipe than children. Conservation preferences associated identification instead justified by subjective species-specific traits, such as attractiveness profitability. Despite low rates (10% correct identifications) threatened birds (2%), keen preserving species, indicating these might become effective flagships unique biodiversity island. These results illustrate need consider separately attributes affect knowledge willingness protect, how both can be strategies.