Research overview: media framing of big-cat attacks and its conservation effects

This overview synthesises research on how news and social media portray big-cat attacks and conflict, and how that framing shapes public attitudes, fear, and policy. It reviews studies showing that sensational, fear-driven coverage of leopard, tiger, lion, and puma incidents can amplify perceived risk, fuel demands for lethal control, and inflame panic during events, while balanced reporting can support tolerance. The literature examines the role of rumour, viral imagery, and the disproportionate attention to rare attacks relative to routine coexistence. The survey frames media as an influential and manageable actor in conflict, arguing that engaging journalists and shaping responsible messaging is a strategic, low-cost lever for fostering public acceptance of big cats.