The need for evidence-based conservation
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Updated: Jul 5, 2026

At-Risk Butterfly Captive Propagation Programs to Enhance Life History Knowledge and Effective Ex Situ Conservation Techniques
Published on: February 11, 2020
William J Sutherland1, Andrew S Pullin, Paul M Dolman
1Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Conservation, School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK NR4 7TJ. w.sutherland@uea.ac.uk
Abstract:
Much of current conservation practice is based upon anecdote and myth rather than upon the systematic appraisal of the evidence, including experience of others who have tackled the same problem. We suggest that this is a major problem for conservationists and requires a rethinking of the manner in which conservation operates. There is an urgent need for mechanisms that review available information and make recommendations to practitioners. We suggest a format for web-based databases that could provide the required information in accessible form.
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