title: The face of conservation responding to a dynamically changing world.
abstract: In its 40-year history, the science of conservation has faced unprecedented challenges in terms of environmental damage and rapid global change, and environmental problems are only increasing as greater demands are placed on limited natural resources. Conservation science has been adapting to keep pace with these changes. Here, we highlight contemporary and emerging trends and innovations in conservation science that we believe represent the most effective responses to biodiversity threats. We focus on specific areas where conservation science has had to adjust its approach to address emerging threats to biodiversity, including habitat destruction and degradation, climate change, declining populations and invasive species. We also document changes in attitudes, norms and practices among conservation scientists. A key component to success is engaging and maintaining public support for conservation, which can be facilitated through the use of technology. These recent trends in conservation and management are innovative and will assist in optimizing conservation strategies, increasing our leverage with the general public and tackling our current environmental challenges.
authors.affiliation: School of Natural Resources and the Environment, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA.
authors.forename: Ruscena
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Wiederholt
authors.affiliation: School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA and The Nature Conservancy, Arlington, Virginia, USA.
authors.forename: Anne M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Trainor
authors.affiliation: School of Environment and Sustainability, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan, Canada.
authors.forename: Nicole
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Michel
authors.affiliation: R.A. Smith National, Oakmont, Pennsylvania, USA.
authors.forename: Patrick D
authors.initials: PD
authors.lastname: Shirey
authors.affiliation: Division of Applied Animal Ecology, San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research, California, USA.
authors.forename: Ronald R
authors.initials: RR
authors.lastname: Swaisgood
authors.affiliation: Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA.
authors.forename: Doug
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Tallamy
authors.affiliation: American Association for Advancement of Science, Washington, DC, USA.
authors.forename: Susan C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Cook-Patton
mesh_terms: D001290:Attitude; D044822:Biodiversity; D057231:Climate Change; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends*; D017753:Ecosystem; D058865:Introduced Species; D011639:Public Opinion
keywords: global change; management strategies; paradigm shifts; public engagement; trends in conservation science