ABS Annual Meeting 2013 :: Conservation Behavior Workshop - July 28th, 2013 Merging science and application
There is often a lack of communication between the fields of conservation and animal behavior. To bridge this gap, we will be conducting a one-day workshop aimed at applying behavioral theory and research to solving real-world conservation problems. The workshop will provide a unique and valuable opportunity for the practitioners to learn about the challenges and rewards of applying behavioral biology in the field. Ideally this two-way interaction will inspire future research and networking to aid in solving the increasingly complex problems of real-world conservation.
Three conservation problems for which a behavioral approach is likely to facilitate solutions will be presented by wildlife managers at the beginning of the day. We will then break out into focus groups and discuss potential solutions. At the end of the day we will regroup, report on the potential solutions and identify commonalities that may be applicable more broadly to other systems. New collaborations between wildlife managers and animal behaviorists are expected to emerge from this workshop.
Speakers and conservation issues:
- Valerie Matheson, Urban Wildlife Conservation Coordinator for the City of Boulder Human wildlife conflict - Coyotes and bicycles
- Heather Johnson, Colorado Parks & Wildlife Human wildlife conflict - influence of anthropogenic and natural food resources on black bear behavior and demography
- Verena Gill, US Fish & Wildlife Service Sea otter and commercial fisheries regulation in Alaska
- David Bradbeer, Vancouver Airport Management of protected bird species at the Vancouver airport
Tentative schedule:
10:30 Introduction to workshop10:45 Presentation of conservation problems
12:45 break
1:00 breakout sessions to work on problems, lunch provided
3:00 break
3:15 session reports
4:30 – 5:00 wrap up
Registration is $25, which includes lunch and snacks.
