Wildlife Value Orientations: An Estonian Case Study

Abstract

This article examines the thoughts and cognitions of Estonians as it relates to wildlife value orientations on the islands of Saare County, Estonia. Sixteen semi-structured interviews of islanders living on Saaremaa and Vilsandi were done in summer 2006 as part of the Wildlife Values Globally project facilitated by Colorado State University. Wildlife value orientations as expressed in response to four basic emotion questions were sought in the context of experiences with wildlife in Estonia. The greatest number of passages coded was “mutualism,” “respect,” “attraction-interest” and “hunting/fishing,” and “environmentalism” and “scientific-knowledge.” Wildlife contacts were for the majority considered as “happy moments” such as pleasurable everyday events and a source of enjoyment. Contacts with wildlife were not evaluated as “fearful.” Humans were considered overall as part of nature with wildlife thought of as part of the everyday environment and valued as such.