Register      Login
Pacific Conservation Biology Pacific Conservation Biology Society
A journal dedicated to conservation and wildlife management in the Pacific region.
Shopping Cart: ( empty )
You are here: Home > Journals > PC > PC23044 > Fulltext
RESEARCH ARTICLE
Contents Vol 30(1)

Kingfisher: contemplating the connection between nature and humans through science, art, literature, and lived experiences

Quan-Hoang Vuong https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0790-1576 A and Minh-Hoang Nguyen https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7520-3844 A B *
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Centre for Interdisciplinary Social Research, Phenikaa University, Yen Nghia Ward, Ha Dong District, Hanoi, Vietnam.

B AI for Social Data Lab (AISDL), Vuong & Associates, Hanoi, Vietnam.

* Correspondence to: hoang.nguyenminh@phenikaa-uni.edu.vn

Handling Editor: Graham Fulton

Pacific Conservation Biology 30, PC23044 https://doi.org/10.1071/PC23044
Submitted: 11 October 2023  Accepted: 3 December 2023  Published: 21 December 2023

© 2024 The Author(s) (or their employer(s)). Published by CSIRO Publishing

Abstract

Due to rapid urbanisation, the separation between humans and nature is a critical issue that leads to the eco-deficit culture and hinders efforts to alleviate climate change and biodiversity crises. In this essay, using the most recent scientific findings, we argue that the kingfisher, as a symbolic representation of nature, can act as a bridge that connects humans and nature through many pathways. In science, the kingfisher can be used as an indicator species to evaluate the environmental alterations of the wetland ecosystems, facilitating conservation efforts. In addition, the kingfisher’s behaviours embedded in the indigenous communities’ knowledge systems to predict environmental variability can be valuable resources for developing community science. The images, memories, and feelings associated with the species can also connect humans’ mental realms with the world of other sentient beings, gradually building humans’ perceived values of the natural world. With these benefits, with the kingfisher being a symbolic representation, wildlife can play a crucial role in restoring the lost bond between humans and the natural environment. Establishing a stronger connection between humans and nature is expected to significantly impact the transformation of human value systems from eco-deficit to eco-surplus mindsets. Moreover, for the kingfisher to play its role in connecting humans and the natural environment, conservation must be prioritised before some kingfisher species become extinct (e.g. Tasmanian azure kingfisher, Javan blue-banded kingfisher, Mangareva kingfisher, Sangihe dwarf kingfisher, etc.).

Keywords: community science, conservation, creative arts, eco-surplus culture, environmental consciousness, extinction risk, human-environment nexus, literature, natural dissociation, wildlife values, wisdom.

References

Barik S, Saha GK, Mazumdar S (2022) Conservation prioritization through combined approach of umbrella species selection, occupancy estimation, habitat suitability and connectivity analysis of kingfisher: a study from an internationally important wetland complex (Ramsar site) in India. Ecological Informatics 72, 101833.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Barrable A, Booth D (2022) Disconnected: what can we learn from individuals with very low nature connection? International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 19, 8021.
| Crossref | Google Scholar | PubMed |

Baumhardt A (2023) Unusual deaths of hundreds of west coast gray whales linked to lack of arctic ice. Available at https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2023/10/19/unusual-deaths-of-hundreds-of-west-coast-gray-whales-linked-to-lack-of-arctic-ice/

Beery T, Stahl Olafsson A, Gentin S, Maurer M, Stålhammar S, Albert C, Bieling C, Buijs A, Fagerholm N, Garcia-Martin M, Plieninger T, Raymond C (2023) Disconnection from nature: expanding our understanding of human–nature relations. People and Nature 5, 470-488.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Biino M (2023) Sea-ice levels in antarctica at a ‘mind-blowing’ historic low. Business Insider. Available at https://www.businessinsider.com/sea-ice-levels-in-antarctica-reached-a-new-historic-low-2023-9

Binley AD, Proctor CA, Pither R, Davis SA, Bennett JR (2021) The unrealized potential of community science to support research on the resilience of protected areas. Conservation Science and Practice 3, e376.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Chanza N (2015) Indigenous-based adaptation: an imperative for sustainable climate change strategies for africa. In ‘Harnessing cultural capital for sustainability: a pan Africanist perspective’. (Eds M Mawere, S Awuah-Nyamekye) pp. 85–134. (Langaa Publishing House: Bamenda)

Chow D (2023) Extreme ocean temperatures threaten to wipe out Caribbean coral. NBC News. Available at https://www.nbcnews.com/science/environment/extreme-oceantemperatures-threaten-wipe-caribbean-coral-rcna120594

Davis K (1955) The origin and growth of urbanization in the world. American Journal of Sociology 60, 429-437.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (2010) Ceyx azureus diemenensis (Tasmanian Azure Kingfisher) conservation advice. Australian Government.

Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania (2012) Tasmanian azure kingfisher listing statement. Tasmanian Government, Tasmania.

Elmqvist T, Fragkias M, Goodness J, Güneralp B, Marcotullio PJ, McDonald RI, Parnell S, Schewenius M, Sendstad M, Seto KC (2013) ‘Urbanization, biodiversity and ecosystem services: challenges and opportunities: a global assessment.’ (Springer Nature: Berlin)

Engert JE, Pressey RL, Adams VM (2023) Threatened fauna protections compromised by agricultural interests in Australia. Conservation Letters 16, e12975.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Frangoul A (2023) CO2 emissions set to hit record levels in 2023 and there’s ‘no clear peak in sight,’ IEA says. CNBC. Available at https://www.cnbc.com/2021/07/20/co2-emissions-will-hit-record-levels-in-2023-iea-says.html

Fretwell PT, Boutet A, Ratcliffe N (2023) Record low 2022 Antarctic sea ice led to catastrophic breeding failure of emperor penguins. Communications Earth & Environment 4, 273.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Harris RJ, Reed JM (2002) Behavioral barriers to non-migratory movements of birds. Annales Zoologici Fennici 39, 275-290.
| Google Scholar |

Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (2019) Nature’s dangerous decline ‘unprecedented’ species extinction rates ‘accelerating. The United Nations, Geneva.

Lenton TM, Rockström J, Gaffney O, Rahmstorf S, Richardson K, Steffen W, Schellnhuber HJ (2019) Climate tipping points — too risky to bet against. Nature 575, 592-595.
| Crossref | Google Scholar | PubMed |

Li D, Sullivan WC (2016) Impact of views to school landscapes on recovery from stress and mental fatigue. Landscape and Urban Planning 148, 149-158.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Ma Z, Cai Y, Li B, Chen J (2010) Managing wetland habitats for waterbirds: an international perspective. Wetlands 30, 15-27.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Mugambiwa SS, Rankoana SA, Tirivangasi HM (2023) Climate governance beyond the government: indigenous knowledge systems in rural Zimbabwe’s climate change adaptation. International Journal of Development and Sustainability 12, 238-249.
| Google Scholar |

Nguyen M-H, Jones TE (2022a) Building eco-surplus culture among urban residents as a novel strategy to improve finance for conservation in protected areas. Humanities and Social Sciences Communications 9, 426.
| Crossref | Google Scholar | PubMed |

Nguyen M-H, Jones TE (2022b) Predictors of support for biodiversity loss countermeasure and bushmeat consumption among Vietnamese urban residents. Conservation Science and Practice 4, e12822.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Nguyen M-H, Vuong Q-H (2021) Evaluation of the Aichi Biodiversity Targets: the international collaboration trilemma in interdisciplinary research. Pacific Conservation Biology 28, 517-531.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Nguyen M-H, Le T-T, Vuong Q-H (2023) Ecomindsponge: a novel perspective on human psychology and behavior in the ecosystem. Urban Science 7, 31.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Nyong A, Adesina F, Osman Elasha B (2007) The value of indigenous knowledge in climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies in the African Sahel. Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies for Global Change 12, 787-797.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Ogasa N (2023) Last week was the hottest ever recorded — here’s why we keep smashing records. ScienceNews. Available at https://www.sciencenews.org/article/heat-record-june-july-water-climate

Palmberg IE, Kuru J (2000) Outdoor activities as a basis for environmental responsibility. The Journal of Environmental Education 31, 32-36.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Prensky M (2001) Digital natives, digital immigrants part 2: do they really think differently? On the Horizon 9, 1-6.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Purich A, Doddridge EW (2023) Record low Antarctic sea ice coverage indicates a new sea ice state. Communications Earth & Environment 4, 314.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Reason P, Gillespie S (2023) The teachings of mistle thrush and kingfisher. Australian Journal of Environmental Education 293-306.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Roncoli C, Ingram K, Kirshen P (2001) The costs and risks of coping with drought: livelihood impacts and farmers’ responses in Burkina Faso. Climate Research 19, 119-132.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Schneider-Mayerson M (2018) The influence of climate fiction: an empirical survey of readers. Environmental Humanities 10, 473-500.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Shifa CT, Dayananda SK, Yanjie X, Rubeena KA, Muzaffar SB, Nefla A, Jobiraj T, Thejass P, Reshi OR, Aarif KM (2023) Long-term anthropogenic stressors cause declines in kingfisher assemblages in wetlands in southwestern India. Ecological Indicators 155, 111062.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Tam K-P (2013) Concepts and measures related to connection to nature: similarities and differences. Journal of Environmental Psychology 34, 64-78.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

The Associated Press (2023) More than 100 dolphins found dead in Brazilian Amazon as water temperatures soar. The Associated Press.

Tran T, Ho M-T, Pham T-H, Nguyen M-H, Nguyen K-LP, Vuong T-T, Nguyen T-HT, Nguyen T-D, Nguyen T-L, Khuc Q, La V-P, Vuong Q-H (2020) How digital natives learn and thrive in the digital age: evidence from an emerging economy. Sustainability 12, 3819.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Turner WR, Nakamura T, Dinetti M (2004) Global urbanization and the separation of humans from nature. BioScience 54, 585-590.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Tyler J, Younger JL (2022) Diving into a dead-end: asymmetric evolution of diving drives diversity and disparity shifts in waterbirds. Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences 289, 20222056.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Vuong Q-H (2018) The (ir)rational consideration of the cost of science in transition economies. Nature Human Behaviour 2, 5.
| Crossref | Google Scholar | PubMed |

Vuong Q-H (2020) From children’s literature to sustainability science, and young scientists for a more sustainable earth. Journal of Sustainability Education 24, 1-12.
| Google Scholar |

Vuong Q-H (2021a) The semiconducting principle of monetary and environmental values exchange. Economics and Business Letters 10, 284-290.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |

Vuong Q-H (2021b) Western monopoly of climate science is creating an eco-deficit culture. Economy, Land & Climate Insight.

Vuong Q-H (2022) ‘The kingfisher story collection.’ (AISDL)

Wallace E (2023) Conservationists fear that without a recovery plan, the Tasmanian azure kingfisher could go extinct. Available at https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-10-07/tasmanian-azure-kingfisher-endangered/102940696

Winkler A, Nessi A, Antonioli D, Laus M, Santo N, Parolini M, Tremolada P (2020) Occurrence of microplastics in pellets from the common kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) along the Ticino River, North Italy. Environmental Science and Pollution Research 27, 41731-41739.
| Crossref | Google Scholar | PubMed |

Xu T, Weng B, Yan D, Wang K, Li X, Bi W, Li M, Cheng X, Liu Y (2019) Wetlands of international importance: status, threats, and future protection. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 16, 1818.
| Crossref | Google Scholar | PubMed |

Yoder JM, Marschall EA, Swanson DA (2004) The cost of dispersal: predation as a function of movement and site familiarity in ruffed grouse. Behavioral Ecology 15, 469-476.
| Crossref | Google Scholar |