What is conservation physiology? Perspectives on an increasingly integrated and essential science

• DOI: 10.1093/conphys/cot001
• Publication Date: 2013-03-26T18:25:13Z
• Authors: S. J. Cooke; L. Sack; C. E. Franklin; A. P. Farrell; J. Beardall; M. Wikelski; S. L. Chown
• Keywords: Conservation Biology; Conservation science; Conservation psychology; Stressor

Globally, ecosystems and their constituent flora fauna face the localized broad-scale influence of human activities. Conservation practitioners environmental managers struggle to identify mitigate threats, reverse species declines, restore degraded ecosystems, manage natural resources sustainably. Scientific research evidence are increasingly regarded as foundation for new regulations, conservation actions, management interventions. biologists have traditionally focused on characteristics (e.g. abundance, structure, trends) populations, species, communities, simple indicators responses perturbations other However, an understanding specific mechanisms underlying problems is becoming important decision-making, in part because physiological tools knowledge especially useful developing cause-and-effect relationships, identifying optimal range habitats stressor thresholds different organisms. When incorporated into ecological models, it can improve predictions organism change provide support decisions. Without such knowledge, we may be left with associations. ‘Conservation physiology’ has been defined previously a focus vertebrates, but here redefine concept universally, application diversity taxa from microbes plants, animals, resources. We also consider ‘physiology’ broadest possible terms; i.e. how functions, any associated mechanisms, development bioenergetics, interactions, through fitness. Moreover, physiology include wide applications beyond assisting imperiled include, example, eradication invasive refinement resource strategies minimize impacts, evaluation restoration plans. This emphasizes basis, importance, relevance at variety scales. Real advances require integration inter-disciplinarity. its suite concepts key base needed address pressing challenges.