With
the present rate of biodiversity loss and the profound effects of global
changes, population and conservation ecologists face new questions. Many of these are related to
how fast individuals can adapt to the strength and pace of environmental
variability and can only be answered using individual data collected over
long-term (Long Terms Individual Based Studies). Beside
this undoubted scientific value, a 20 – 30 years study is likely to have trained several
generations of scientists, fostered collaborations between a large number of
research institutes and promoted public awareness on scientific themes and
wildlife conservation problems. With
current public systems providing funds for 3 to 4 years, it is increasingly
difficult to initiate and maintain a long-term individual based study. As a
consequence, many field studies end before time, without reaching the number of
years or the amount of data needed to meet current scientific challenges and to
demonstrate their educational value.Here, we argue
that the value of LTIBS is multidimensional and it grows steadily with time. How and when does a long-term field study become
important? [..] continue reading here
This text
is in honor of Dr. Alan Roy Johnson (1941-2014, Photo), Dr. Heinz Hafner
(1940-2003) and other pioneers of LTIBS. By focusing the attention on the
multidimensional value of LTIBS we aimed to pay a tribute to them and to those
people who, thanks to their passion, personal sacrifices and tenacity are
keeping these projects alive.
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| A. Johnson (photo. H. Hôte) |
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