Abstract

Our research aims to examine the level of biodiversity knowledge among urban residents who engage in recreational activities in different natural areas of the Province of Concepci & oacute;n, Chile. This territory is part of a biodiversity hotspot and has undergone significant transformations, either due to large-scale productive activities or urban expansion. To assess this type of knowledge, we used species identification as a proxy and administered an in-person questionnaire across all communes of the province (n = 232 adults). The questionnaire included illustrations of 14 species characteristic of different ecosystems in the area, and sociodemographic information was also collected from participants. Responses were analyzed using a scoring matrix, hypothesis testing, and regression analyses. The results indicate that species with food-related value were more frequently identified by older participants and less by younger individuals, whereas threatened species such as marine otter Lontra felina were poorly identified (36%) by participants aged 50 years or older. Participants without nature-related occupations (82% of the sample) identified, on average, 50% of the species, whereas those with nature-related occupations identified 71%. An intergenerational divergence in species knowledge and significant occupational differences may potentially reduce the social support needed to protect ecosystems while action is still possible.