Translational Ecology

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

Authors: Sarah P Saunders, Joanna X Wu, Elizabeth A Gow, Evan Adams, Brooke L Bateman, Trina Bayard, Stephanie Beilke, Ashley A Dayer, Auriel M V Fournier, Kara Fox, Patricia Heglund, Susannah B Lerman, Nicole L Michel, Eben H Paxton, Çağan H Şekercioğlu, Melanie A Smith, Wayne Thogmartin, Mark S Woodrey, Charles van Riper, III.

Stewardship Centre for BC congratulates the authors of “Bridging the research-implementation gap in avian conservation with translational ecology”, a paper that explains principles of translational ecology and their application in avian conservation-focused multistakeholder programs. This paper was published in a peer-reviewed journal, Ornithological Applications, in May 2021.

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. – Saunders et al., 2021.

This paper explains six approaches that could be used to create synergy between objectives, goals, strategies and constraints of many stakeholders involved in collaborative projects and produce outcomes that satisfy the needs and interests of all participants while addressing environmental issues. In addition, there are on-the-ground examples, i.e. case studies, that show how these approaches have been successfully applied in avian conservation programs in North America and beyond.

One of the case studies discusses participation of the Stewardship Centre for BC and its partners and funders in addressing the impacts of free-roaming cats on wildlife through collaboration, research, commitment, engagement as well as process- and decision-driven approaches. These approaches help bridge the research-implementation gap in the conservation of birds across Canada.

Six principles of translational ecology used to address the issue of free-roaming cats in Canada. Source: Saunders et al., 2021.

The Stewardship Centre is thrilled that our work along with our project funder (Environment and Climate Change Canada) and our animal welfare, government, conservation and post-secondary partners on the cats and birds issue are featured in this paper.

Please refer to the information below to access the publication and learn about the principles of translational ecology. This paper is freely available online and is a valuable resource that provides guidance for diverse partnership groups working towards finding effective management solutions to address environmental and conservation problems.

Original paper:

Sarah P Saunders, Joanna X Wu, Elizabeth A Gow, Evan Adams, Brooke L Bateman, Trina Bayard, Stephanie Beilke, Ashley A Dayer, Auriel M V Fournier, Kara Fox, Patricia Heglund, Susannah B Lerman, Nicole L Michel, Eben H Paxton, Çağan H Şekercioğlu, Melanie A Smith, Wayne Thogmartin, Mark S Woodrey, Charles van Riper, III, Bridging the research-implementation gap in avian conservation with translational ecology, Ornithological Applications, 2021;, duab018, https://doi.org/10.1093/ornithapp/duab018