In the face of accelerating environmental changes (on both global and local scales), effective conservation work depends on our ability to not only recognize the effects that humans are having on wildlife and ecosystems, but also to understand these effects in order to be able to predict them, mitigate them, and even reverse their negative impacts. A mechanistic approach to conservation can provide conservation practitioners with much needed tools that will enable them to predict wildlife population trends and devise effective conservation interventions. Animal behavior serves to buffer the effects of the environment (and especially a changing environment) on individual fitness, and it may provide the flexibility needed for animals to survive and even prosper over a wider range of environmental conditions. Knowledge of a species' behavioral attributes provides, therefore, important mechanistic and theoretical insights into how human actions (direct or indirect) can impact the species, and what actions can be taken to minimize this impact.
The mission of the Animal Behavior in Conservation Working Group (ConsBehav WG) is to bridge the existing gap between the scientific knowledge of animal behavior and its implementation in the field of conservation by fostering discussions, collaborations and initiatives that will promote the effective integration of animal behavior research into conservation practice. Join Us!
Look for us on Twitter @SCB_ConsBehav!
For information about the Working Group please contact Oded Berger-Tal.
Click here to download a list of conservation researchers specializing in varying aspects of animal behavior. All of them will be happy to provide relevant information and advice.