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

  • Steven J. Cooke
  • , Christine L. Madliger
  • , Rebecca L. Cramp
  • , John Beardall
  • , Gary Burness
  • , Steven L. Chown
  • , Timothy D. Clark
  • , Ben Dantzer
  • , Erick De La Barrera
  • , Nann A. Fangue
  • , Craig E. Franklin
  • , Andrea Fuller
  • , Lucy A. Hawkes
  • , Kevin R. Hultine
  • , Kathleen E. Hunt
  • , Oliver P. Love
  • , Heath A. MacMillan
  • , John W. Mandelman
  • , Felix C. Mark
  • , Lynn B. Martin
  • Amy E.M. Newman, Adrienne B. Nicotra, Sharon A. Robinson, Yan Ropert-Coudert, Jodie L. Rummer, Frank Seebacher, Anne E. Todgham

Research output: Contribution to journalReview ArticleOtherpeer-review

Abstract

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

Original languageEnglish
Article numbercoaa016
Number of pages19
JournalConservation Physiology
Volume8
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 21 Jan 2020

Keywords

  • Conservation physiology
  • Evidence
  • Horizon scan
  • Sustainable Development Goals

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