Conservation behaviour

In a rapidly changing world, an individual’s behaviour is a key response to the changing environment, and it may permit individuals, populations, and species to survive, and sometimes even thrive, in human-dominated landscapes. Conservation behaviour is an emerging field focused on applying insights from animal behaviour research to conservation and management. In this chapter we provide an overview of how an understanding of animal behaviour can be used to predict the impacts of human activities on wildlife, and how it can be harnessed as a powerful tool in conservation and management interventions. We illustrate our points by describing a cognitive framework for conservation. We also include practical advice for behavioural ecologists seeking to have a greater impact on the conservation of species and habitats.