MSc: Investigating Social Norms Surrounding Saiga Meat Consumption, Kalmykia

Project person name
Forrest Hogg
Start date
01 апреля 2014
End date
01 сентября 2014
Country
Russia
Email
forrest.hogg13@imperial.ac.uk
Population
Pre-caspian
Project Organisation
Imperial College London
Project Funder
People's Trust for Endangered Species, Disney

My masters project is concerned with the attitudes and social norms surrounding saiga meat consumption within the Pre Caspain (Kalmykia) saiga range. Whilst saiga numbers remain critically low, there has been a concerted local effort to raise awareness and pride for saiga conservation. We will evaluate the role of these engagement efforts on influencing such social norms.

Project objectives

1.Understand local attitudes and social norms towards saiga meat consumption 2.Investigate the levels of local saiga meat consumption and the dynamics of saiga meat trade 3.Evaluate the influence of public engagement programmes on local attitudes, social norms and willingness to participate in conservation efforts.

Project activities

Both quantitative (household & Individual questionnaires) and qualitative approaches (key informant interviews) are being used to achieve the stated outputs. In total, 6 villages will be visited, 2 of which have been subjected to public engagement programmes (Saiga Days, Steppe Wildlife clubs). Farms close to the national reserves will also be visited to complete the sample.

Project outcomes

1.Local saiga meat consumption prevalence estimates and trade routes 2.An in-depth understanding of local attitudes and social norms towards saiga meat consumption and saiga conservation 3.Based on project findings, a strategic plan will be developed to guide future public engagement plans

Project targets

To explore local attitudes and social norms surrounding saiga meat consumption