Awareness has been identified as one of the primary threats toward the survival of indigenous species in Qatar (Richer, 2008). Previous studies demonstrated that people who exhibit higher levels of awareness of a particular species are more likely to hold positive attitudes toward them and engage in behaviors that contribute to conservation of that species (e.g., Echeverri et al., 2017). Using Qualtrics, the current study surveyed Qatari residents and citizens (N = 2612) about their familiarity toward and liking of five indigenous Qatari fauna, as well as their self-reported connection to nature (NR-6 Scale, Nisbet & Zelenski, 2013). Animals were chosen from the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List for Threatened Species: vulnerable (Dugong, [Egyptian] Spiny-tailed Agama), endangered (Whale Shark, Saker Falcon), and critically endangered species (Hawksbill Sea Turtle). We conducted Pearson correlations and one-way ANOVAs to explore the relationships between familiarity, liking, and connection to nature.
