The Role of Social Networks in the Conservation of Endangered Species from a Behavioral Ecology Perspective

Abstract

Understanding the interactions of endangered species in their social settings is critical to the success of conservation. Behavioral ecology is the study of how individual behaviors affect population survival. Still, the importance of social network patterns of interaction among individuals has not been used in conservation planning. Social networks affect processes such as information exchange, reproductive success, cooperative defense, and disease transmission. The purpose of this research is to compile existing information on the impact of social network structures on the survival of endangered species and to assess ways to incorporate social network analysis into conservation. Our systematic review examined empirical studies on the use of behavioral observations, GPS and RFID tracking, and interaction-based network construction across a variety of threatened taxa. The discussion shows some common trends: (1) individuals with high centrality tend to be primary sources of knowledge or reproductive centers, (2) destroying societal structures by poaching, disaggregating habitats, or translocating species weakens the group cohesion and stability, (3) specific patterns of networks make them more prone to a disease outbreak. Results indicate that conservation efforts can be significantly enhanced through more effective identification of influential people, maintenance of social cohesion, and reintroductions designed to uphold natural social relationships. A combination of social-network views and behavioral ecology is a strong avenue for improving population recovery and species survival in the short and long term.