Bridging the research-implementation gap in avian conservation with translational ecology

Abstract

The recognized gap between research and implementation in avian conservation can be overcome with translational ecology, an intentional approach in which science producers and users from multiple disciplines work collaboratively to co-develop and deliver ecological research that addresses management and conservation issues. Avian conservation naturally lends itself to translational ecology because birds are well studied, typically widespread, often exhibit migratory behaviors transcending geopolitical boundaries, and necessitate coordinated conservation efforts to accommodate resource and habitat needs across the full annual cycle. In this perspective, we highlight several case studies from bird conservation practitioners and the ornithological and conservation social sciences exemplifying the 6 core translational ecology principles introduced in previous studies: collaboration, engagement, commitment, communication, process, and decision-framing. We demonstrate that following translational approaches can lead to improved conservation decision-making and delivery of outcomes via co-development of research and products that are accessible to broader audiences and applicable to specific management decisions (e.g., policy briefs and decision-support tools). We also identify key challenges faced during scientific producer–user engagement, potential tactics for overcoming these challenges, and lessons learned for overcoming the research-implementation gap. Finally, we recommend strategies for building a stronger translational ecology culture to further improve the integration of these principles into avian conservation decisions. By embracing translational ecology, avian conservationists and ornithologists can be well positioned to ensure that future management decisions are scientifically informed and that scientific research is sufficiently relevant to managers. Ultimately, such teamwork can help close the research-implementation gap in the conservation sciences during a time when environmental issues are threatening avian communities and their habitats at exceptional rates and at broadening spatial scales worldwide.

Spatial drivers of wetland bird occupancy within an urbanized matrix in the Upper Midwestern United States

“…With this tool, land managers can visualize bird activity at specific locations within sites and compare changes in occupancy to management actions, such as improving wetland hydrology, creating openings within dominant invasive emergent vegetation, and planting native emergent vegetation. Thus, the results of wetland bird data collection fuel an adaptive management process that continually provides feedback to land managers over the long term (Ma et al, 2009; Saunders et al, 2021).…”

Systematic Map of Human–Raptor Interaction and Coexistence Research

“…For example, basic research to understand the dynamics of either the ecological or sociocultural dimensions of human–raptor interaction must eventually transform to applied and actionable research on species of conservation concern. This requires transdisciplinary and team science approaches to the co-development and co-design of human–raptor interaction research [ 29 , 30 , 31 ].…”

Popular press portrayal of issues surrounding free‐roaming domestic cats Felis catus

“…These efforts were supported through programmes at the national (e.g. Nature Canada's Keep Cats Safe and Save Birds Lives campaign) and regional (e.g., Vancouver Cat and Bird Advisory Committee, a subcommittee of the Vancouver Bird Sub-committee) scales, as well as the development of position statements or collaboration agreements, such as those by the Canadian Veterinarian Medical Association (CVMA, 2020) and the Vancouver Cat and Bird Advisory Committee (Saunders et al, 2021) that acknowledge the multiple perspectives and issues surrounding free-roaming cats, and the formation of municipal collaborative strategies, bylaws, and education to reduce free-roaming cat populations (e.g., City of Calgary, AB, Canada; Nature Canada, 2017). While we cannot infer whether or how the popular press is impacting people's perceptions, by not covering multiple perspectives, the popular press may be increasing perceived conflict and hindering opportunities for effective and constructive dialogue among stakeholders by suggesting that such relationships among stakeholders are impossible, which is far from the truth (discussed in: Wald & Peterson, 2020).…”