One hundred research questions in conservation physiology for generating actionable evidence to inform conservation policy and practice

Authors

Steven J. Cooke, Institute of Environmental and Interdisciplinary Science
Jordanna N. Bergman, Institute of Environmental and Interdisciplinary Science
Christine L. Madliger, Institute of Environmental and Interdisciplinary Science
Rebecca L. Cramp, The University of Queensland
John Beardall, Monash University
Gary Burness, Trent University
Timothy D. Clark, Deakin University, School of Life and Environmental Sciences
Ben Dantzer
Erick De La Barrera, Instituto de Investigaciones en Ecosistemas y Sustentabilidad
Nann A. Fangue, University of California, Davis
Craig E. Franklin, The University of Queensland
Andrea Fuller, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
Lucy A. Hawkes, University of Exeter
Kevin R. Hultine, Desert Botanical Garden
Kathleen E. Hunt, Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation
Oliver P. Love, University of Windsor
Heath A. MacMillan, Carleton University
John W. Mandelman, New England Aquarium
Felix C. Mark, Alfred-Wegener-Institut Helmholtz-Zentrum für Polar- und Meeresforschung
Lynn B. Martin, University of South Florida, Tampa
Amy E.M. Newman, University of Guelph
Adrienne B. Nicotra, ANU Research School of Biology
Graham D. Raby, Trent University
Sharon A. Robinson, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health
Yan Ropert-Coudert, Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé
Jodie L. Rummer, James Cook University
Frank Seebacher, The University of Sydney
Anne E. Todgham, University of California, Davis
Sean Tomlinson, The University of Adelaide
Steven L. Chown, Monash University

Publication Name

Conservation Physiology

Abstract

Environmental change and biodiversity loss are but two of the complex challenges facing conservation practitioners and policy makers. Relevant and robust scientific knowledge is critical for providing decision-makers with the actionable evidence needed to inform conservation decisions. In the Anthropocene, science that leads to meaningful improvements in biodiversity conservation, restoration and management is desperately needed. Conservation Physiology has emerged as a discipline that is well-positioned to identify the mechanisms underpinning population declines, predict responses to environmental change and test different in situ and ex situ conservation interventions for diverse taxa and ecosystems. Here we present a consensus list of 10 priority research themes. Within each theme we identify specific research questions (100 in total), answers to which will address conservation problems and should improve the management of biological resources. The themes frame a set of research questions related to the following: (i) adaptation and phenotypic plasticity; (ii) human-induced environmental change; (iii) human-wildlife interactions; (iv) invasive species; (v) methods, biomarkers and monitoring; (vi) policy, engagement and communication; (vii) pollution; (viii) restoration actions; (ix) threatened species; and (x) urban systems. The themes and questions will hopefully guide and inspire researchers while also helping to demonstrate to practitioners and policy makers the many ways in which physiology can help to support their decisions.

Open Access Status

This publication may be available as open access

Volume

9

Issue

1

Article Number

coab009

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Link to publisher version (DOI)

http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/conphys/coab009