Attitudes toward state—level threatened and endangered species protection inKansas

In addition to the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA), individual states can have state—level legislation that protects species. While the ESA has high levels of public support, it was not clear that state—level programs also do. This research examined state residents’ attitudes toward a state‐level threatened and endangered species program in Kansas. Overall, high levels of support were found. Demographic differences existed, with older respondents having less favorable attitudes towards species protection. Respondents who had been required to obtain a state threatened and endangered species permit before undertaking a development project had less favorable attitudes toward the species protection program than the general public, but a majority still support having a state—level threatened and endangered species protection program.