Conservation physiology and the COVID-19 pandemic

Area of Science:

• Conservation physiology
• Ecology
• Environmental science

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic and public health measures impacted ecosystems and biodiversity.
• The 'Anthropause' period altered emissions related to disturbance, pollution, and climate change.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the benefits and risks of the Anthropause to biodiversity using conservation physiology.
• To explore the role of conservation physiology in understanding pandemic impacts and preventing future zoonotic diseases.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing conservation physiology tools and biomarkers to analyze wildlife stress before, during, and after lockdown.
• Investigating the physiological consequences of increased antimicrobial product use and plastic medical waste.
• Collaborating with conservation medicine and human health experts under the One Health concept.

Main Results:

• Conservation physiology can quantify biodiversity benefits from reduced human activity during the Anthropause.
• The pandemic introduced new ecological risks via antimicrobial pollution and medical waste.
• The discipline's research and training were disrupted, highlighting the need to support early career researchers.

Conclusions:

• Conservation physiology offers crucial insights into pandemic effects on biodiversity and can inform post-COVID recovery strategies.
• The field is vital for identifying risks, developing mitigation strategies for new pollutants, and preventing future pandemics.
• Supporting the next generation of conservation physiologists is essential for the discipline's growth and contribution to environmental health.