Conservation

Applied and basic animal science are inextricably linked in theory, but in practice, there has been an unsettling rift between these two disciplines.  Management has suffered from a lack of rigorous scientific methodology, and a failure to incorporate some basic biology of animals into studies and recommendations.  For species in decline, effective management requires better understanding of the proximate and ultimate factors that influence habitat selection, reproductive success, and demography rates.  An understanding of animal behavior can be used to create better survey methods, target specific areas for protection and restoration, and inform harvest recommendations.  At the same time, basic researchers seldom focus on conservation implications, either before or after studies are conducted.  Fortunately, conservation efforts are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and basic science is demanding broader impacts from research.

Related Publications:

Smith, M. D., C. J. Conway, and L. A. Ellis.  2005.  Burrowing owl nesting productivity: a comparison between artificial and natural burrows on and off golf courses.  Wildlife Society Bulletin 33: 454-462.

Smith, M. D., and C. J. Conway.  2005.  Use of artificial burrows on golf courses for burrowing owl conservation.  Turf and Environmental Research Online 4(9):1-6.

Conway, C.J., V. Garcia, M.D. Smith, L.A. Ellis & J.L. Whitney.  2006.  Comparative demography of burrowing owls in agricultural and urban landscapes in southeastern Washington.  Journal of Field Ornithology 77:280-290.

Conway, C.J., V. Garcia, M.D. Smith & K. Hughes.  2008.  Factors affecting detection of burrowing owl nests during standardized surveys.  Journal of Wildlife Management 72:688-696.