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Bird Diversity Unconsciously Increases People’s Satisfaction with Where They Live

Author

Listed:
  • Lauren Hepburn

    (Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada)

  • Adam C. Smith

    (National Wildlife Research Centre, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ottawa, ON K1A 0H3, Canada)

  • John Zelenski

    (Department of Psychology, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada)

  • Lenore Fahrig

    (Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada)

Abstract

There is growing evidence that exposure to nature increases human well-being, including in urban areas. However, relatively few studies have linked subjective satisfaction to objective features of the environment. In this study we explore the links among objective environmental features (tree cover, water, and bird diversity) and subjective judgements of satisfaction. We surveyed residents of Ottawa, Canada ( n = 1035) about their satisfaction with their local neighbourhoods. We then compared the survey responses to measures of nature near their homes, including bird diversity (number of bird species), tree canopy cover, and distance to water. After controlling for effects of income and subjective happiness, residents’ neighbourhood satisfaction was positively related to the number of bird species nearby, even before participants were prompted to consider nature. Residents’ appreciation of their local neigbourhood relative to others also increased with tree canopy cover and nearness to water. Unsolicited comments from participants following the survey indicated that while residents consciously appreciate trees and water, the relationship between bird diversity and neighbourhood satisfaction appears to be unconscious; very few of the participants mentioned birds. Based on these results, we speculate that a diverse local bird community may provoke feelings of satisfaction through their presence, activity, and songs. Our results create a compelling argument for city planners and individual residents to maintain bird-friendly spaces in urban areas.

Suggested Citation

  • Lauren Hepburn & Adam C. Smith & John Zelenski & Lenore Fahrig, 2021. "Bird Diversity Unconsciously Increases People’s Satisfaction with Where They Live," Land, MDPI, vol. 10(2), pages 1-19, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlands:v:10:y:2021:i:2:p:153-:d:492484
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Estrella Trincado & Antonio Sánchez-Bayón & José María Vindel, 2021. "The European Union Green Deal: Clean Energy Wellbeing Opportunities and the Risk of the Jevons Paradox," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(14), pages 1-23, July.
    2. Manuela Ortega-Gil & Georgina Cortés-Sierra & Chaima ElHichou-Ahmed, 2021. "The Effect of Environmental Degradation, Climate Change, and the European Green Deal Tools on Life Satisfaction," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(18), pages 1-14, September.

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