Optimism and opportunities for conservation physiology in the Anthropocene

Abstract

We discuss 12 themes that emerged from the set of case studies comprising the text, namely: (1) mechanisms matter for conservation; (2) physiology is just one source of knowledge; (3) physiology and behaviour are intertwined; (4) new tools and technologies should be embraced; (5) physiology can be valuable in captive settings; (6) conservation physiology extends across scales; (7) physiology can be incorporated into long-term monitoring programmes; (8) conservation physiology is applicable to invertebrates; (9) non-imperilled species deserve attention; (10) successful application is increased by co-production; (11) sharing success stories is important; and (12) findings should be communicated across a variety of platforms. We end the chapter with a discussion of some of the challenges currently being faced in the discipline, and with a message of optimism for the future.