Leveraging Flagship Individuals to Sustain Conservation Momentum

Leveraging Flagship Individuals to Sustain Conservation Momentum | Authorea try { document.documentElement.classList.add('js'); } catch (e) { } var _gaq = _gaq || []; _gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'G-8VDV14Y67G']); _gaq.push(['_trackPageview']); (function() { var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true; ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s); })(); Skip to main content Preprints Collections Wiley Open Research IET Open Research Ecological Society of Japan All Collections About About Authorea FAQs Contact Us Quick Search anywhere Search for preprint articles, keywords, etc. Search Search ADVANCED SEARCH SCROLL This is a preprint and has not been peer reviewed. Data may be preliminary. 17 September 2025 V1 Latest version Share on Leveraging Flagship Individuals to Sustain Conservation Momentum Authors : Hideyuki Doi 0000-0002-2701-3982 [email protected] , Arthitya Sima-Aree , Akane Abe , and Kotaro Ichikawa Authors Info & Affiliations https://doi.org/10.22541/au.175810623.37332970/v1 221 views 167 downloads Contents Abstract Supplementary Material Information & Authors Metrics & Citations View Options References Figures Tables Media Share Abstract Flagship individuals---charismatic organisms with unique traits and compelling stories---offer a potent tool to engage public interest and bolster conservation efforts. This perspective study explores how such individuals can sustain conservation momentum beyond their lifetimes, emphasizing strategies to maintain a focus on broader ecological goals. We examined case studies, including Marium and TRDU099, rescued dugongs, Keiko, the killer whale, and Moo Deng, the pygmy hippopotamus, to illustrate both the opportunities and challenges of leveraging flagship individuals. Marium's story, in particular, galvanized public action against marine plastic pollution in Thailand. Strategies, such as transitioning to new flagships, utilizing flagship fleets or species, integrating virtual influencers, and fostering participatory initiatives, have been proposed to extend their impact. We also address ethical considerations, the role of storytelling and media, and the potential for emerging technologies. By planning for the post-individual phase, conservationists can maximize the legacy of flagship individuals, driving sustained progress toward biodiversity preservation and ecological resilience. Leveraging Flagship Individuals to Sustain Conservation Momentum Hideyuki Doi¹, Arthitya Sima-Aree², Akane Abe 3 , and Kotaro Ichikawa 4 1 Graduate School of Informatics, Kyoto University, Yoshidahonmachi, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 6068501, Japan 2 Faculty of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kitashirakawa Oiwakecho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8502, Japan ³ Center for Southeast Asian Studies, Kyoto University, Shimoadachi-cho, Yoshida Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan 4 Field Science Education and Research Center, Kyoto University, Yoshidahonmachi, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan Corresponding author: Hideyuki Doi, Email: [email protected] Supplementary Material File (flagship_final.docx) Download 1.49 MB Information & Authors Information Version history V1 Version 1 17 September 2025 Copyright This work is licensed under a Non Exclusive No Reuse License. Keywords freshwater marine method development multiple natural history population ecology terrestrial vertebrate Authors Affiliations Hideyuki Doi 0000-0002-2701-3982 [email protected] Kyoto University View all articles by this author Arthitya Sima-Aree Kyoto University - Yoshida Campus View all articles by this author Akane Abe Kyoto University - Yoshida Campus View all articles by this author Kotaro Ichikawa Kyoto University - Yoshida Campus View all articles by this author Metrics & Citations Metrics Article Usage 221 views 167 downloads .FvxKWukQNSOunydq8rnd { width: 100px; } Citations Download citation Hideyuki Doi, Arthitya Sima-Aree, Akane Abe, et al. Leveraging Flagship Individuals to Sustain Conservation Momentum. Authorea . 17 September 2025. DOI: https://doi.org/10.22541/au.175810623.37332970/v1 If you have the appropriate software installed, you can download article citation data to the citation manager of your choice. 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