Arts-based approach to describe the perceptions of spiders by local people

Abstract

People's perceptions of spiders can vary from disgust to fascination, which has a substantial impact on the value People's perceptions of spiders can range from disgust to fascination, and these perceptions significantly impact how they value the conservation of Aranea. This study employed an arts-based methodology to explore the perspectives of 123 respondents from Talenceras, Bohol, Philippines, towards spiders. Data collection involved spider drawings and interviews with participants. The findings unveiled people's diverse relationships with spiders, including their role in controlling problematic insect populations. While humans appreciate spiders for their pest control abilities, they also view them as a source of entertainment, particularly in the context of spider derbies, which pose a significant threat to female spiders. Demographic data indicated a growing number of young people engaging in spider-related entertainment without realizing they might encounter pregnant female spiders. Some individuals fear spiders due to concerns about their potential toxicity, leading them to avoid contact with these arachnids. Negative perspectives toward spiders, mainly if people are unable to distinguish between spider species, could hinder conservation efforts. This study emphasizes the importance of taking proactive measures to address these spider-related issues and protect biodiversity.

Keywords

• aranea
• attitudes
• perspectives
• conservation