A Comparison of Attitudes and Knowledge about the Endangered Species Act

Enacted in 1973, the Endangered Species Act (ESA) has had its renewal hampered by political considerations since 1993. To give greater insight into public opinion concerning various aspects of the ESA, three groups—Audubon Society members, students, and hunters—were surveyed. In general, expected differences among the groups did not emerge as strongly as expected. All those surveyed favor ESA renewal, though with modification, and they all favor compensation for economic impacts. All groups possess moderate knowledge of the ESA, although hunters are significantly more knowledgeable on specific issues. It appears that few survey respondents have a depth of knowledge that will allow them to influence the political process as it produces the next version of ESA.