A mixed-methods study on human-frog interactions in Nature's Valley, South Africa

Amphibians, despite their ecological importance, receive inadequate public support and funding compared to more charismatic animals. Conservation success may rely on understanding the cognitive and emotional factors that influence human attitudes towards frogs. This mixed-methods study explored how three communities near Nature's Valley, South Africa, perceive, interact with, and aim to protect frogs. While the study revealed a general disliking of frogs in these communities, distinct variations in demographics, cultural beliefs, and personal backgrounds significantly shaped human-frog interactions and willingness to conserve them. The complex interplay of cultural and personal factors, along with broader environmental values, suggests that effective frog conservation efforts should prioritize a general approach to promoting pro-environmental behavior first, rather than immediately targeting specific aspects of human-frog interaction. This strategy ensures a higher likelihood of success in conserving these vital amphibians.