A global systematic review of studies on people's perceptions and cultural beliefs towards owl species

Abstract

Abstract It is essential to recognise that humans pose conservation challenges and are integral to the solutions for conserving species. Understanding human perceptions of wildlife will facilitate the development of effective conservation strategies. Although global efforts to study and manage negative human-wildlife conflicts have grown, research on people,s perceptions of wildlife is relatively scarce, particularly concerning owl species. Here, we systematically reviewed the primary literature on human perceptions and cultural beliefs of owl species worldwide to identify trends and research gaps. Our systematic review was conducted using the guidelines developed by the Collaboration for Environmental Evidence (CEE) and reported using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) and Reporting Standards for Systematic Evidence Syntheses (ROSES) guidelines. Both qualitative and quantitative studies were included from 1997 to early 2025. A total of 29 studies met the inclusion criteria, with the majority conducted in Africa, followed by Asia and then South America. We found that owl perceptions ranged from mixed, negative, to positive. Human perceptions of owls were shaped by various socio-demographic factors, including educational level, age, and gender, and were strongly influenced by cultural beliefs and folklore. In some cultures, owls are admired as symbols of wisdom and good fortune; in others, they are feared as omens of death, bad luck, or witchcraft. Education and awareness campaigns were found to be key in shifting negative perceptions and promoting conservation. Despite regional variations, the literature suggests that targeted interventions and community engagement are vital to improving human-owl coexistence and supporting conservation outcomes.