ASU Research Receives Attention from Wildlife Organizations
Research by Olivia Davis, a recent graduate from Arizona State University’s School of Life Sciences, is making an impact in the field of wildlife conservation. Davis, who completed her PhD in biology and society, has developed a tool designed to improve the evaluation process for endangered species. Her metric provides a more detailed picture of whether a species is moving toward recovery or facing further decline.
Davis’s research was published last summer in the journal Conservation Biology and has since been highlighted by The Wildlife Society. In January, her work was featured in the organization’s quarterly newsletter, bringing further recognition to her findings. Davis expressed excitement that her research is gaining traction within the conservation community.
“I’m thrilled that the paper has caught the attention of a key wildlife organization and that people are engaging with it,” Davis said. “That was always the goal.”
Improving Conservation Efforts Through Better Data
The U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife conducts five-year reviews to assess the status of endangered species. However, these reviews primarily focus on whether a species’ classification has changed, such as shifting from “endangered” to “critically endangered.” Davis’s tool aims to enhance these reviews by providing conservationists with more nuanced insights into species trends, even when official classifications remain unchanged.
“The purpose of this metric is to give conservation managers better insight into what actions can be taken,” Davis explained. “Even if a species remains in danger, understanding the degree and nature of its decline can inform more targeted recovery efforts.”
Davis collaborated with a diverse team of more than 30 individuals, including government biologists, nonprofit professionals, and undergraduate students at ASU. Through their research, they discovered that while the endangered status of species such as polar bears and Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep had not changed, their populations continued to decline due to long-standing threats.
By identifying the specific ways species are declining, Davis’s tool helps conservationists determine where to allocate limited resources effectively. “With constrained budgets, it’s crucial to maximize the impact of conservation efforts,” Davis noted. “This metric provides a clearer roadmap for action.”
A Step Toward More Effective Wildlife Management
Davis’s work has already begun to influence conservation policies. The U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife has decided to adopt her metric, a move that could improve endangered species management on a broader scale. By integrating Davis’s method, conservationists can prioritize actions that offer the highest return on investment for species recovery.
Reflecting on her research’s impact, Davis shared her optimism for future applications. “You never know if a scientific paper will truly make a difference,” she said. “When The Wildlife Society reached out, it was exciting to realize that my work is being noticed and could inspire further progress in conservation.”
As her tool becomes a standard in species evaluation, it has the potential to refine how wildlife agencies assess and respond to the challenges facing endangered species, ultimately strengthening conservation efforts nationwide.
