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Attitudes to restoring an extinct keystone species

Author

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  • Eriksson, Victoria
  • Ek, Kristina
  • Kornfeldt, Torill
  • Stage, Jesper

Abstract

In this paper, we study attitudes in Sweden to bringing back an extinct species, the aurochs (Bos primigenius), which once played an important role in European forest ecosystems. This is done using a willingness-to-pay approach, and examining whether willingness to pay for restoring the aurochs is related to the restoration technology (breeding programme or gene editing programme) adopted. Attitudes to de-extinction vary significantly across individuals, but are in general relatively positive, with 59% of respondents stating a willingness to pay for such efforts for the aurochs. Female respondents are more reluctant than males to contribute to the gene-editing technology. However, aside from this gender effect, the technology used (breeding or gene editing) does not affect average WTP, but we generally find acceptance of the idea of de-extinction as well as higher WTP among younger individuals, and especially among members of environmental organisations.

Suggested Citation

  • Eriksson, Victoria & Ek, Kristina & Kornfeldt, Torill & Stage, Jesper, 2026. "Attitudes to restoring an extinct keystone species," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 243(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecolec:v:243:y:2026:i:c:s0921800926000200
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolecon.2026.108935
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