Behavioural ecology

As human activities increasingly alter natural landscapes, the behavior of wildlife is profoundly affected. This session explores how wildlife adapts—or struggles to adapt—in environments reshaped by human influence. From habitat loss and pollution to hunting and domestication, these human-induced changes have significant impacts on wildlife behavior, with far-reaching ecological consequences.

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Wildlife behavior in response to environmental changes can influence crucial ecological processes. For example, the hunting of apex predators may alter their behavior, which in turn affects the abundance and behavior of other species within the ecosystem, such as mesopredators and herbivores. Similarly, human disturbances can drive animals to relocate, disrupting movement patterns and connectivity across landscapes. Chronic stress from ongoing human pressures, like hunting, can even affect population dynamics by reducing reproductive success.

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While this session emphasizes the impact of human-modified environments on wildlife behavior, we also welcome submissions that focus on behavioral ecology in natural or less disturbed ecosystems. Studies that explore the fundamental principles of animal behavior, species interactions, and ecological processes in any context are encouraged, as they provide valuable insights that enhance our understanding of wildlife behavior across diverse environments.