Coping With Constraints: Achieving Effective Conservation With Limited Resources

Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution, Journal Year: 2018, Volume and Issue: 6

Published: March 16, 2018

PERSPECTIVE article Front. Ecol. Evol., 16 March 2018Sec. Conservation and Restoration Ecology Volume 6 - 2018 | https://doi.org/10.3389/fevo.2018.00024

Language: Английский

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Reframing conservation physiology to be more inclusive, integrative, relevant and forward-looking: reflections and a horizon scan

Conservation Physiology, Journal Year: 2020, Volume and Issue: 8(1)

Published: Jan. 1, 2020

Applying physiological tools, knowledge and concepts to understand conservation problems (i.e. physiology) has become commonplace confers an ability mechanistic processes, develop predictive models identify cause-and-effect relationships. Conservation physiology is making contributions solutions; the number of 'success stories' growing, but there remain unexplored opportunities for which shows immense promise potential contribute major advances in protecting restoring biodiversity. Here, we consider how evolved with a focus on reframing discipline be more inclusive integrative. Using 'horizon scan', further explore ways can relevant pressing issues today (e.g. addressing Sustainable Development Goals; delivering science support UN Decade Ecosystem Restoration), as well forward-looking inform emerging policies tomorrow. Our horizon scan provides evidence that, continues mature, it wealth promote integration, inclusivity forward-thinking goals that achieving gains. To advance environmental management ecosystem restoration, need ensure underlying (such generated by accompanying messaging straightforward accessible end users.

Language: Английский

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The Atrazine Saga and its Importance to the Future of Toxicology, Science, and Environmental and Human Health

Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 40(6), P. 1544 - 1558

Published: May 17, 2021

Abstract The herbicide atrazine is one of the most commonly used, well studied, and controversial pesticides on planet. Much controversy involves effects wildlife, particularly amphibians, ethically questionable decision making members industry, government, legal system, institutions higher education, in cases an effort to “bend science,” defined as manipulating research advance economic, political, or ideological ends. In this Critical Perspective I provide a timeline salient events history saga, which includes multimillion‐dollar smear campaign, lawsuits, investigative reporting, accusation impropriety against US Environmental Protection Agency, multibillion‐dollar transaction. argue that must be more than just true story cover‐ups, bias, vengeance. It used example how manufacturing uncertainty bending science can exploited delay undesired regulatory decisions greed conflicts interest—situations where personal organizational considerations have compromised biased professional judgment objectivity—can affect environmental public health erode trust discipline toxicology, general, honorable functioning societies. Most importantly, offer several recommendations should help 1) prevent from repeating itself, 2) enhance credibility integrity science, 3) enrich human health. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:1544–1558. © 2021 SETAC

Language: Английский

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Physiological biomarkers and fisheries management

Reviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 31(4), P. 797 - 819

Published: Sept. 29, 2021

Abstract The benefits of physiological biomarkers, knowledge and concepts are well-established in fish wildlife management as they confer the ability to understand mechanistic processes, identify cause-and-effect relationships, develop predictive models. Although this approach is gaining momentum context species conservation, use biomarkers exploited marine stock recovery plans remains relatively rare. Here, we present five essential issues consider implement fisheries management: (i) choice relevant that have a well-known basis, (ii) identification species-specific reflecting meaningful timespan for management, (iii) selection compatible with data collection during routine scientific surveys, (iv) early-warning signals complementary indicators population-level changes life history traits (v) how may help refine long-term population dynamic projections under climate change scenarios. Overall, if based on mechanisms linked individuals’ fitness, focus should better behind declines, characteristics, thus more efficiently manage conserve populations. As transferable among species, locations, times, integration science has potential broadly enhance assessments stocks.

Language: Английский

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Opportunities to enhance conservation success for sharks

Research Square (Research Square), Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Feb. 19, 2025

Sharks, rays, and chimaeras are among the most threatened vertebrate lineages. Despite considerable conservation efforts, extinction risk of sharks continues to rise. We present a quantitative analysis shark literature, exploring trends interconnectivities in key topics using machine learning approach. show that research is well interconnected, coherently structured, rapidly expanding field centred around nexus linking human-wildlife interactions species use management. Shark increasingly interdisciplinary prioritised toward threats drive decline populations, both which effective However, we also identify opportunities further strengthen These include improved integration topics, enhancing understanding combined threats, greater consideration for role sub-lethal impacts. Lastly, stress meaningful rather than simple contextualisation, essential building comprehensive nuanced necessary inform actions. By leveraging strengths addressing its remaining weaknesses, there hope future where thrive contribute healthy, resilient marine ecosystems.

Language: Английский

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Animal coloration research: why it matters

Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences, Journal Year: 2017, Volume and Issue: 372(1724), P. 20160333 - 20160333

Published: May 22, 2017

While basic research on animal coloration is the theme of this special edition, here we highlight its applied significance for industry, innovation and society. Both nanophotonic structures producing stunning optical effects colour perception mechanisms in animals are extremely diverse, having been honed over millions years evolution many different purposes. Consequently, there a wealth opportunity biomimetic bioinspired applications research, spanning production, function. Fundamental production contributing to breakthroughs design new materials (cosmetics, textiles, paints, coatings, security labels) technologies (cameras, sensors, devices, robots, biomedical implants). In addition, discoveries about function influencing sport, fashion, military conservation. Understanding applying knowledge now multidisciplinary exercise. Our goal provide catalyst ideas collaborations between biologists studying researchers other disciplines. This article part themed issue ‘Animal coloration: perception, application’.

Language: Английский

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Applied ecoimmunology: using immunological tools to improve conservation efforts in a changing world

Conservation Physiology, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 9(1)

Published: Jan. 1, 2021

Abstract Ecoimmunology is a rapidly developing field that explores how the environment shapes immune function, which in turn influences host–parasite relationships and disease outcomes. Host defence key fitness determinant because it underlies capacity of animals to resist or tolerate potential infections. Importantly, function can be suppressed, depressed, reconfigured stimulated by exposure changing environmental drivers like temperature, pollutants food availability. Thus, hosts may experience trade-offs resulting from altered investment under stressors. As such, approaches ecoimmunology provide powerful tools assist conservation wildlife. Here, we case studies explore diverse ways inform advance efforts, understanding Galapagos finches will fare with introduced parasites, using methods human oncology design vaccines against transmissible cancer Tasmanian devils. In addition, discuss future present 10 questions help guide this emerging better decisions biodiversity protection. From linking changes outcomes different conditions, individual variation contributes dynamics wild populations, there immense for imperilled face new re-emerging pathogens, addition improving detection management zoonoses.

Language: Английский

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A systematic review of approaches to assess fish health responses to anthropogenic threats in freshwater ecosystems

Conservation Physiology, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 12(1)

Published: Jan. 1, 2024

Abstract Anthropogenic threats such as water infrastructure, land-use changes, overexploitation of fishes and other biological resources, invasive species climate change present formidable challenges to freshwater biodiversity. Historically, management fish fishery has largely been based on studies population- community-level dynamics; however, the emerging field conservation physiology promotes assessment individual health a key tool. Fish is highly sensitive environmental disturbances also fundamental driver fitness, with implications for population dynamics recruitment resilience. However, mechanistic links between particular anthropogenic changes in health, or impact pathways, are diverse complex. The diversity ways which can be measured presents challenge researchers deciding methods employ seeking understand these threats. In this review, we aim provide an understanding pathway through ecosystems components impacted by assessed. We quantitative systematic approach corpus papers related utilize framework that summarizes alterations mechanisms cause response health. found were most prolific threat, range different metrics being suitable assessing threat. Almost all two more pathways. A robust pathways crucial fisheries managers undertake targeted ecosystems.

Language: Английский

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Non‐invasive physiological markers demonstrate link between habitat quality, adult sex ratio and poor population growth rate in a vulnerable species, the Cape mountain zebra

Functional Ecology, Journal Year: 2017, Volume and Issue: 32(2), P. 300 - 312

Published: Oct. 5, 2017

Abstract Effective conservation and species management require an understanding of the causes poor population growth. Conservation physiology uses biomarkers to identify factors that contribute low individual fitness declines. Building on this, macrophysiology can use same markers assess how varies with different ecological or demographic over large temporal spatial scales. Here, we a macrophysiological approach correlates growth rates in Cape mountain zebra metapopulation. We two non‐invasive biomarkers: faecal glucocorticoids as measure chronic stress, androgens indicator male physiological status. found glucocorticoid concentrations were highest spring prior summer rainfall, elevated individuals from populations associated low‐quality habitat (lower grass abundance). In addition, androgen higher high proportion non‐breeding stallions (where male:female adult sex ratios exceed 2:1) suggesting ratio imbalances may intensify competition. Finally, rate was negatively female fecundity androgens, indicating relationship between hormone profiles fitness. Together, our results provide cross‐population evidence for be linked biomarkers. More broadly, advocate indicators viability, way evaluate impact variable factors. used efficacy interventions this subspecies, could inform models species’ responses future environmental change. A plain language summary is available article.

Language: Английский

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Heterogeneities in the infection process drive ranavirus transmission

Ecology, Journal Year: 2016, Volume and Issue: 98(2), P. 576 - 582

Published: Nov. 16, 2016

Transmission is central to our understanding and efforts control the spread of infectious diseases. Because transmission generally requires close contact, host movements behaviors can shape dynamics: random complete mixing leads classic density-dependent model, but if hosts primarily interact locally (e.g., aggregate) or within groups, may saturate. Manipulating behavior thus change both rate functional form transmission. We used ranavirus-wood frog (Lithobates sylvaticus) tadpole system test whether rates reflect contacts, be influenced by distribution food in mesocosms (widely dispersed, promoting movement vs. a pile, aggregations). Contact increased with density, as expected, rapidly saturated. Observed were not explained observed contact instead treatments followed models allowing for heterogeneities process. argue that contacts limiting, results are better susceptibility. Moreover, manipulating manage disease prove difficult implement.

Language: Английский

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