The Wildlife Coexistence Lab (WildCo) is dedicated to initiatives that can support biodiversity conservation, wildlife management and habitat restoration in our rapidly changing, human-dominated world. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, partners and local communities, this important work can continue to thrive. Below, Dr. Cole Burton, who leads these efforts, explains the urgent need for wildlife research in support of a sustainable path forward.

What interested you in the study of human-wildlife coexistence?

Wild animals hold a special place in human cultures around the world. I have had a longstanding fascination with iconic species, such as caribou, moose, wolf and grizzly bear, and how their presence is interwoven into the cultural identity of many Canadians, including Indigenous peoples.

What are some of the biggest challenges facing wildlife today?

Human population growth, economic activities within wilderness spaces and increasing demand for food, natural resources and energy are all taking a toll on wildlife populations. The effects of climate change have increased the frequency and severity of wildfires, floods and other extreme events. These pressures are reshaping habitats and ecosystems, as well as triggering widespread declines in many wildlife species and increases in species that thrive in human-modified environments. Globally, more than 25% of nearly 6,000 mammal species are threatened with extinction.

What is the idea behind human and wildlife coexistence?

Coexistence is defined broadly as sustainable co-adaptation between people and wildlife. This can mean reducing the probability and severity of animal-human conflicts close to our homes, such as preventing bears from rummaging through garbage cans or backyard fruit trees. It can also mean making sure that animals are not overly displaced by recreational activities in remote parks or from disturbances caused by industrial development.

Why is it important to promote coexistence between wildlife and humans?

Beyond their cultural value, wild mammals are significant sources of economic revenues from activities, such as tourism and hunting, that support governments and local communities. They also play critical roles in the functioning of ecosystems. Animals often travel over vast distances seeking food sources. They disperse seeds and nutrients throughout their ecosystems through feeding, defecation and mortality. They also help to regulate populations of species at lower levels of the food chain.

What is the role of WildCo?

A central mandate of WildCo is the pursuit of scientific research that supports wildlife conservation and management on a crowded planet. Our work navigates trade-offs between wildlife conservation and human activities, such as resource extraction, urban expansion and wildland recreation. We know that these activities can alter wildlife habitats; however, they are also economic drivers for businesses, communities and governments. WildCo gathers data to help decision-makers shape policies on how to balance the needs of biodiversity conservation and habitat perseveration with those of human populations.

What kinds of technology do you use to conduct your research within WildCo?

We use a network of “camera traps” in remote places to photograph animals and humans as they move naturally through the environment. The images allow us to collect data on animals and their environments. The best part is that these cameras can operate around the clock, storing information for up to one year before we collect the images captured on their digital cards. Using statistical models, we can then track and analyse changes in wildlife populations and communities, such as their numbers, age distribution and health and resilience indicators. In addition, we are now using this data to track the effects of climate change on vegetation, temperature and snow.

What is a key priority for WildCo moving forward and why?

A priority for WildCo is to establish a network of remote camera operators (WildCAM), and collaborate with First Nations, rural communities, government, industry and other academic partners. We also want to expand our interdisciplinary collaborations so that we can develop more holistic solutions to improving human-wildlife coexistence in complex social-ecological systems. Donor funding is an essential component in propelling these initiatives forward—allowing for a combination of data from various projects and regions to improve monitoring and help governments, industry and other sectors of society meet commitments to improve biodiversity conservation under the Global Biodiversity Framework.

Dr. Cole Burton is a UBC Faculty of Forestry Associate Professor, Canada Research Chair (Tier 2) in Terrestrial Mammal Conservation and lead of the Wildlife Coexistence Lab (WildCo) at UBC, where he also teaches wildlife ecology and management.