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What is the value of wild animal welfare for restoration ecology?

Capozzelli, Jane F.; Hecht, Luke; Halsey, Samniqueka J.

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Authors

Jane F. Capozzelli

Luke Hecht luke.b.hecht@durham.ac.uk
PGR Student Doctor of Philosophy

Samniqueka J. Halsey



Abstract

The restoration community continues to discuss what constitutes good environmental stewardship. One area of tension is the extent to which the wellbeing of wild animals should inform restoration efforts. We discuss three ways that the perspective of wild animal welfare can augment restoration ecology: strengthening people's relationship with nature, reinforcing biotic integrity, and reducing mechanistic uncertainty. The animal welfare movement elevates sentient animals as stakeholders and explores how environmental context directly impacts the wellbeing of individuals. Viewing wild animals through this lens may encourage people to think and act with empathy and altruism. Second, we incorporate animal welfare into the concept of biotic integrity for ecological and ethical reasons. Restoring ecosystem processes may enhance animal welfare, and vice versa. Alternatively, there may be a trade‐off between these factors, requiring local decision‐makers to prioritize between restoring ecosystem function and promoting individuals' wellbeing. We conclude by discussing how welfare can impact population recovery, thereby adding insights about mechanisms underpinning restoration objectives. Ultimately, restoration ecologists and proponents of wild animal welfare could enjoy a productive union.

Citation

Capozzelli, J. F., Hecht, L., & Halsey, S. J. (2020). What is the value of wild animal welfare for restoration ecology?. Restoration Ecology, 28(2), 267-270. https://doi.org/10.1111/rec.13114

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Jan 2, 2020
Online Publication Date Feb 4, 2020
Publication Date Mar 31, 2020
Deposit Date Jan 24, 2020
Publicly Available Date Mar 28, 2024
Journal Restoration Ecology
Print ISSN 1061-2971
Electronic ISSN 1526-100X
Publisher Wiley
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 28
Issue 2
Pages 267-270
DOI https://doi.org/10.1111/rec.13114

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Copyright Statement
This is the accepted version of the following article: Capozzelli, Jane F., Hecht, Luke & Halsey, Samniqueka J. (2020). What is the value of wild animal welfare for restoration ecology? Restoration Ecology 28(2): 267-270 which has been published in final form at https://doi.org/10.1111/rec.13114. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for self-archiving.




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