Paleozoology in the service of conservation biology

Abstract

Paleozoological data reveal past conditions created by anthropogenic and natural processes. These conditions can serve as benchmarks of ecological properties and processes desired by conservation biologists. Paleozoological data provide empirical evidence analogous to experimental results of anthropogenic and environmental causes. They can be used to determine whether a taxon is native or exotic to an area, distinguish invasive from recolonizing taxa, choose a management action likely to produce a desired result, test benchmarks based on historic data, reveal unanticipated effects of conservation efforts, and identify causes of ecological conditions. It is time to use paleoecological knowledge in the service of modern conservation biology.