From Production to Protection: The Role of Land for Wildlife in Private Land Conservation in Southeast Queensland

Abstract

In an attempt to combat the long-term trend in habitat loss in Australia, a nation-wide focus has encouraged conservation on private property through nonbinding voluntary programmes, such as Land for Wildlife programmes, and legally binding covenants, such as Voluntary Conservation Agreements. This research aimed to identify factors involved in landholder motivations for, and commitments to such programmes. We report on results of interviews (including property walks) and personality assessments of 31 landholders registered for the Land for Wildlife (LfW) programme in three Local Governments in Southeast Queensland, Australia. Personality (both temperament and character dimensions), as well as experiential learning through Land for Wildlife, played a role in developing pronature conservation behaviour, commitment to, and connectedness to nature on property. We make suggestions for resourcing and content of the LfW programme, including adequate allocated funds, stability and continuity of staff, frequent regular events involving a variety of activities with different modes of interaction, and opportunities for the development of social relationships with other registrants as well as Land for Wildlife officers (i.e., a Land for Wildlife community).