Causes and consequences of lags in basic and applied research into feral wildlife ecology: the case for feral horses

摘要: Abstract The biomass of feral wildlife is eclipsing that native in many parts the world. Consequently, species are playing an increasingly important role ecological community dynamics. Artificially selected life-history traits wild but once domesticated can elicit population dynamics differ substantially from species. Yet, we continue to lag our understanding ecology and evolution with direct consequences resource management biodiversity conservation. In part, this because basic applied research into fraught social political challenges unique science. Feral populations companion animals or livestock, especially, evoke strong emotional reactions among advocacy groups, particularly around issues animal welfare policy. Managers tasked controlling often bound by license, including legislative restrictions, incomparable other wildlife, harassment litigation researchers managers not uncommon. Further, delegated agricultural instead government agencies clear differences mandate, staff education, training. Using examples primarily horses North America, show how scientists conducting independent process find themselves placed between managers, advocates, opponents species, implicitly satisfying multiple contradictory interests stakeholders, sometimes litigious interference. These barriers exacerbated inter-disciplinary tendencies dismiss importance despite its relevance sound decision-making. therefore possess politically biologically facilitated asymmetries favour persistence, growth, expansion relative while timely study these characteristics nature continues suffer ideological opposition.