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From the remote corners of the frozen Arctic to the heart of the Amazon's tropical rainforests, the impact of human activity stands as the primary driver of biological systems. The distinction between the sprawling Brazilian rainforests and the meticulously designed Central Park of Manhattan is but a matter of degree. Our capacity to modify the environment has not only left an indelible mark on the planet but has also become a powerful force shaping the fate of wildlife.
In this landscape of human influence, our actions play a dual role in the narrative of wildlife. On one side, some species struggle to adapt, facing the challenges of our changing world. For species like the Sumatran rhinoceros and the California condor, deliberate efforts to protect and manage them are the only reasons they persist in the wild. On the other side, some species showcase their adaptability to human-dominated environments. In the United States, raccoons thrive five times more in suburban settings than in the wild, while certain deer species find abundance in agricultural landscapes, capitalizing on nutrient-packed crops.
In this nuanced narrative, our relationship with wildlife is not solely defined by the challenges we pose but also by the positive strides we take to ensure the continued existence and flourishing of diverse species. More than ever, conservationists and managers need to work adaptively to find good solutions for the coexistence of humans and wildlife. As such, while it's crucial to acknowledge accomplishments, it's equally imperative to critically examine both successful and unsuccessful undertakings in wildlife management and conservation.
Can we derive valuable insights not only from each other's successes but also from our failures? Can we effectively extrapolate and implement management and conservation strategies across diverse systems, species, and contexts? Undoubtedly, addressing these inquiries demands a robust foundation of ecological and behavioural studies to provide a comprehensive understanding.
This congress aims to function as a platform for wildlife scientists, scholars, managers and politicians to learn from each other, bring up new ideas, and form collaborations, all while sharing new findings, experiences and technological advances.