Volume 29, Issue 5, 2020
DOI: 10.24205/03276716.2020.1181
IDENTIFICATION OF THE ENDANGERED SPECIES IN KARPASIA NATIONAL PARK (CYPRUS) AND THEIR NATIONAL HABITATS, AND ATTITUDE OF LOCAL STUDENTS TOWARDS SUCH SPECIES AND HABITATS
Abstract
The aim of this study is to identify the endangered species and habitats within the Karpasia National park, which is embraced as a unique place in the world, and the attitudes of children living in the vicinity of National Park towards the habitats and species. This study also aims to contribute on carrying that area to future generations upon proposing solutions to minimize problems, and to be an example for future similar studies. This study is conducted with the survey method on a total number of 37 5th grade primary school students during the spring semester of 2018-2019 academic year. The study was performed in two phases, first of which was the literature review on Karpasia and endangered species and natural habitats to identify the crucial species and habitats in Cyprus and Karpasia. Particularly the status of such species and habitats for Karpasia were analyzed accordingly. Upon the determination of serious environmental problems in the area, the Endangered Species and Habitats Attitude Survey with 12 items was applied in the second phase. The survey results show that endangered species and habitats within the Karpasia National park, which is embraced as a unique place in the world must be protected; students have positive attitudes in general and while they know or believe that endangered species and habitats should be protected when they are asked to participate for protection activities, they are not that much willing and do not have the related consciousness. This concluded as in other previous studies, students know that environment should be protected but they remain incapable in action. Technological developments, nature unconscious education and training system, urbanization and decrease in natural sites take individuals away from the nature. Hence, there is a need for studies for protection of Endangered species and habitats in Cyprus with nature education.
Keywords
Karpasia, nature education, endangered species, endangered habitats