Toward a new framework for restoring lost wildlife migrations

• DOI: 10.1111/conl.12850
• Publication Date: 2021-12-20T12:07:57Z
• Authors: Kristin J. Barker; Wenjing Xu; Amy Van Scoyoc; Mitchell W. Serota; Jessie A. Moravek; Avery L. Shawler; Rachael E. Ryan; Arthur D. Middleton
• Keywords: Restoration Ecology; Underpinning

Abstract Global declines in wildlife migrations have prompted new initiatives to conserve remaining migratory behaviors. However, many already been lost. Important attempts made recover extirpated migrations, and our understanding of restoration remains narrowly confined these particular species landscapes. Here, we examine diverse efforts through the unifying lens behavioral ecology draw broader inferences regarding feasibility effectiveness restoring lost migrations. First, synthesize recent research advances that illuminate key roles exploration, learning, adaptation behavior. Then, review case studies identify common themes success across four major vertebrate groups: fish, birds, mammals, herpetofauna. We describe three broad strategies effectively restore migrations: reestablishing populations, recovering habitats, reviving behavior itself. To guide conservation efforts, link with specific management techniques, explore biological mechanisms underpinning each. Our work reveals a previously underappreciated potential for terrestrial freshwater vertebrates, it provides guidance on whether how practitioners, researchers, policymakers can valuable