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1. An applied ecology of fear framework: linking theory to conservation practice

   https://doi.org/10.1111/acv.12629  

   Gaynor, Kaitlyn M.; Cherry, Michael J.; Gilbert, Sophie L.; Kohl, Michel T.; Larson, Courtney L.; Newsome, Thomas M.; Prugh, Laura R.; Suraci, Justin P.; Young, Julie K.; Smith, Justine A. (August 2020, Animal Conservation)

   null (Ed.)

   Research on the ecology of fear has highlighted the importance of perceived risk from predators and humans in shaping animal behavior and physiology, with potential demographic and ecosystem-wide consequences. Despite recent conceptual advances and potential management implications of the ecology of fear, theory and conservation practices have rarely been linked. Many challenges in animal conservation may be alleviated by actively harnessing or compensating for risk perception and risk avoidance behavior in wild animal populations. Integration of the ecology of fear into conservation and management practice can contribute to the recovery of threatened populations, human–wildlife conflict mitigation, invasive species management, maintenance of sustainable harvest and species reintroduction plans. Here, we present an applied framework that links conservation interventions to desired outcomes by manipulating ecology of fear dynamics. We discuss how to reduce or amplify fear in wild animals by manipulating habitat structure, sensory stimuli, animal experience (previous exposure to risk) and food safety trade-offs to achieve management objectives. Changing the optimal decision-making of individuals in managed populations can then further conservation goals by shaping the spatiotemporal distribution of animals, changing predation rates and altering risk effects that scale up to demographic consequences. We also outline future directions for applied research on fear ecology that will better inform conservation practices. Our framework can help scientists and practitioners anticipate and mitigate unintended consequences of management decisions, and highlight new levers for multi-species conservation strategies that promote human–wildlife coexistence. 

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2. Behavior and detection method influence detection probability of a translocated, endangered amphibian

   https://doi.org/10.1111/acv.12645  

   Hammond, Talisin T.; Curtis, Michelle J.; Jacobs, Leah E.; Tobler, Mathias W.; Swaisgood, Ronald R.; Shier, Debra M. (October 2020, Animal Conservation)

   Abstract Accurate estimates of survival are crucial for many management decisions in translocation programs. Maximizing detection probabilities and reducing sampling biases for released animals can aid in estimates of survival. One important source of sampling bias is an animal’s behavior. For example, individuals that are consistently more exploratory or active may be more likely to be detected visually. Behavioral traits can be related to survival after reintroduction, and because many pre‐release treatments aim to manipulate animal behavior, it is critical to tease apart relationships between behavior and detection probability. Here, we assessed the repeatability (intra‐individual consistency and inter‐individual variation) of behavioral traits for an endangered amphibian, the mountain yellow‐legged frog (Rana muscosa). Because new technological tools offer one potential solution for reducing sampling biases while increasing detection, we also tested whether a long‐range passive integrated transponder (PIT) tag reader could enhance surveys for these individuals after translocation into the wild. After confirming thatex situbredR. muscosaexhibit repeatable behavioral traits (repeatability = 0.25–0.41) and releasing these frogs (N = 196) into the wild, we conducted post‐release surveys visually and with the long‐range PIT tag reader. Integrating the long‐range reader into surveys improved detection probability four‐fold in comparison to visual surveys alone (~0.09 to ~0.36). Moreover, mark–recapture modeling revealed that tag reader detection probability was not biased toward detecting individuals of specific behavioral types, while visual detection was significantly related to behavioral traits. These results will enable a more accurate understanding of individual differences in post‐release success in translocations. This may be particularly important for amphibian species, which can be difficult to detect and are expected to increasingly be involved in human‐managed breeding and translocation programs due to their vulnerable conservation status. 

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3. One hundred research questions in conservation physiology for generating actionable evidence to inform conservation policy and practice

   https://doi.org/10.1093/conphys/coab009  

   Cooke, Steven J; Bergman, Jordanna N; Madliger, Christine L; Cramp, Rebecca L; Beardall, John; Burness, Gary; Clark, Timothy D; Dantzer, Ben; de_la_Barrera, Erick; Fangue, Nann A; et al (January 2021, Conservation Physiology)

   Haddon, Lindsay (Ed.)

   Abstract Environmental change and biodiversity loss are but two of the complex challenges facing conservation practitioners and policy makers. Relevant and robust scientific knowledge is critical for providing decision-makers with the actionable evidence needed to inform conservation decisions. In the Anthropocene, science that leads to meaningful improvements in biodiversity conservation, restoration and management is desperately needed. Conservation Physiology has emerged as a discipline that is well-positioned to identify the mechanisms underpinning population declines, predict responses to environmental change and test different in situ and ex situ conservation interventions for diverse taxa and ecosystems. Here we present a consensus list of 10 priority research themes. Within each theme we identify specific research questions (100 in total), answers to which will address conservation problems and should improve the management of biological resources. The themes frame a set of research questions related to the following: (i) adaptation and phenotypic plasticity; (ii) human–induced environmental change; (iii) human–wildlife interactions; (iv) invasive species; (v) methods, biomarkers and monitoring; (vi) policy, engagement and communication; (vii) pollution; (viii) restoration actions; (ix) threatened species; and (x) urban systems. The themes and questions will hopefully guide and inspire researchers while also helping to demonstrate to practitioners and policy makers the many ways in which physiology can help to support their decisions. 

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4. Reframing conservation audiences from individuals to social beings

   https://doi.org/10.1111/conl.13064  

   Thomas‐Walters, L.; Cologna, V.; de_Lange, E.; Ettinger, J.; Selinske, M.; Jones, M_S (October 2024, Conservation Letters)

   Abstract Environmental practitioners often develop communications and behavior change interventions that conceptualize individuals as consumers or as other limited, standalone personae. This view neglects the role of conservation audiences as social beings with complex social relationships and networks, potentially resulting in lost opportunities to increase the effectiveness of conservation interventions. We offer a reframing of individuals as members of social networks who can influence others through their many different societal roles. This framing may help individuals recognize their potential to affect large‐scale societal structures and empower them to contribute to systemic changes. In practice, conservation organizations might increase the impact and reach of their behavioral interventions by targeting social referents (individuals or groups who people reference for accepted and desired behaviors) and leveraging interpersonal relationships. This includes encouraging individuals to make use of their networks to discuss issues such as biodiversity loss with a variety of acquaintances to normalize them as a topic of conversation. We argue that organizations can leverage the power of social networks to amplify change and promote the message that people change the world through their social ties, thereby inspiring audiences to further engage in conservation behaviors. 

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5. Reenvisioning Patient Education with Smart Hospital Patient Rooms

   https://doi.org/10.1145/3631419  

   Dawson, Joshua; Phanich, K. Jens; Wiese, Jason (December 2023, Proceedings of the ACM on Interactive, Mobile, Wearable and Ubiquitous Technologies)

   Smart hospital patient rooms incorporate various smart devices to allow digital control of the entertainment --- such as TV and soundbar --- and the environment --- including lights, blinds, and thermostat. This technology can benefit patients by providing a more accessible, engaging, and personalized approach to their care. Many patients arrive at a rehabilitation hospital because they suffered a life-changing event such as a spinal cord injury or stroke. It can be challenging for patients to learn to cope with the changed abilities that are the new norm in their lives. This study explores ways smart patient rooms can support rehabilitation education to prepare patients for life outside the hospital's care. We conducted 20 contextual inquiries and four interviews with rehabilitation educators as they performed education sessions with patients and informal caregivers. Using thematic analysis, our findings offer insights into how smart patient rooms could revolutionize patient education by fostering better engagement with educational content, reducing interruptions during sessions, providing more agile education content management, and customizing therapy elements for each patient's unique needs. Lastly, we discuss design opportunities for future smart patient room implementations for a better educational experience in any healthcare context. 

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