Why do animals behave the way they do, and what can their choices tell us about how to better protect them?
In this engaging presentation, Dr. Stefanie Wilks explores how scientists “decode” the everyday decisions animals make. From where wildlife travel and rest to how they respond to people, behavioral analyses can provide critical insights to support conservation decision-making. Using tools such as GPS tracking, camera traps, and field observations, researchers uncover patterns in movement and habitat use that help answer key questions about risks to wildlife, how human activities influence their behavior, and how we can reduce conflicts and support healthy populations.
This session highlights how behavioral insights translate into practical conservation solutions from improving habitat to fostering coexistence between people and wildlife. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast or simply curious, this talk offers a clear look at how science turns observation into action in a changing world.
Presenter: Dr. Stefanie Wilks; Biologist and Instructor, Center for Wildlife Studies