Whither Natural History in Conservation Research?

Abstract

Several journals in ecology and conservation have recently amended editorial policies to make it clear that they do not publish descriptive studies on particular species, even if those species are considered at risk. ACE-ÉCO similarly emphasizes hypothesis-driven conservation research that, ideally, provides insight into ecological theory while simultaneously informing about the efficacy of various management actions for conservation (Nudds and Villard 2005, 2007). We are nevertheless keenly aware that knowledge about the basic ecology and behavior of many species can indeed be important for conservation and management.