Biodiversity Triage and Role of Behavioural Plasticity in Conservation Prioritization for Species at Risk

Abstract

Accelerating environmental changes, habitat fragmentation, climate shifts, and human activities
threaten global biodiversity, requiring triage frameworks to prioritize conservation efforts for species
at risk. Behavioural plasticity, the ability to adjust behaviours flexibly to changing conditions, serves
as an overlooked factor in these frameworks. Existing methods emphasize fixed traits like population
size and threat levels, neglecting adaptive capacities that support survival in modified environments.
This study explores the role of behavioural plasticity in improved triage. Twelve mammal species
vulnerable in the fragmented habitats of South Asia, including tiger reserves and dry forests near
Bengaluru, were chosen. Field methods included camera traps, direct observations, and tracking
records to measure plasticity in foraging patterns, habitat choices, and social structures (over 4,500
observations). Plasticity was scored according to differences in responses to environmental gradients,
e.g., resource availability and levels of disturbance. A triage framework merged these scores with
standard risk assessments (threat status, population trends) and habitat quality evaluations through
comparative analysis. Findings demonstrate that species with high behavioural plasticity, exemplified
by Bengal tigers' adaptable ranging and diet shifts, received lower triage priority. Such flexibility
reduced projected extinction risks by 25-40% in scenarios of moderate habitat loss. Species with low
plasticity, including certain herbivores, were more susceptible. These outcomes make plasticity an
important priority criterion. Incorporating behavioural plasticity into triage facilitates habitat
preservation and resource allocation and also bridges ecology and animal behaviour studies. This
approach supports sustainable wildlife management and aligns with broader environmental goals in
dynamic landscapes. Traits over time is due to the drastic change in the prices of inputs and outputs.