7th International Meeting on Zoo Research, Conservation and Biodiversity

This yearly meeting will provide a platform for scientists, conservationists, academia, zoo researchers, students and interested members of the general public to discuss and exchange information on new science-based innovations and research topics that will offer perspectives and future-oriented solutions to biodiversity changes, while also addressing environmental sustainability. 

Official language of the conference is English.

Conference Areas:
A. Science-policy interaction
Biodiversity is the prerequisite for nature to provide the services on which human wellbeing is critically linked. This includes diversity within species and between species, as well as changes in ecosystem functioning and the drivers responsible for such change. However, the alarming loss of biodiversity is now progressing up to a hundred times faster than the average over the past ten million years. Politics and science must work closely together to develop successful conservation strategies and principles to preserving biodiversity. Within this context, the first conference area aims to examine in greater detail, the problems arising from the loss of biodiversity that may require policy change actions, such as invasive species management and reduced genetic variability. The last topic in this theme is the use of nature-based solutions to protect and restore ecosystem functioning.  

B. Comparative animal behaviour and adaptations
The scientific study of animal behaviour unites biologists, ecologists, psychologists, anthropologists and many others since Charles Darwin published his work in 1871. Comparative methods are used to gain understanding of evolutionary relationships by highlighting the similarities and differences in behavioural patterns across species, such as reproductive processes and animal movement. This second conference area highlights the understanding of cognitive abilities and mechanisms in nonhuman species under comparative cognition. It also focuses on how cognitive abilities and specific behaviour can aid interactions, adaptation and survival in the natural environment. Under this area, researchers can also present their work, discuss their latest findings and share their research-based perspectives on the question, "How do we move forward while anticipating future consequences?"

C. Animal-Visitor Interactions
Animal-visitor interaction is defined as the interaction between captive wild animals and people in a zoo, safari park or aquaria. As part of the multiple goals of modern zoos and aquaria, there are promoted opportunities for visitors to enjoy direct and indirect contacts with captive wild species. This enriching experience enhances learning about species-typical behavior and conservation. Visitor education programs, designs of exhibits and species characteristics can positively impact visitor interactions. However, what are the short- and long-term effects of zoo visitors on species? Is this experience a cause of stress for the animals? In this conference area, we explore the impact of animal-visitor interactions on captive animal welfare and discuss its potential to inform the strategic planning, educational initiatives and future research in zoos and aquaria.