Characterising people–species–place relationships

Place attachments are multifaceted, reflecting personal meaning, and lived experiences. People also develop strong connections with species that inhabit beloved places. Yet, where places and species are experienced together, little is known about how these attachments intersect or vary across species. Here, we explored attachments to place and species, focusing on fairy penguins (Eudyptula minor) and muttonbirds (Ardenna tenuirostris) in their coastal habitat at an iconic Tasmanian landmark (Bruny Island). Using a mixed-methods approach, we examined these relationships through a modified Inclusion of Self Scale (n = 93) and interviews (n = 28). Species–place relationships, defined as the perceived belonging of a species to a place, emerged as the strongest predictor of place attachment. Qualitative insights revealed species–specific pathways, with connections strengthened when species contributed in both ecological and cultural ways. Recognising these diverse pathways offers a more nuanced understanding of how people–place relationships are formed and sustained.