Personalised Ecology. (December 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gaston, Kevin J.; Soga, Masashi; Duffy, James P.; Garrett, Joanne K.; Gaston, Sian; Cox, Daniel T.C.
• Is Part Of: Trends in ecology & evolution. Volume 33:Number 12(2018)
• Page Start: 916
• Page End: 925
• Publication Date: 2018-12
• Subjects: ecosystem services -- extinction of experience -- human–nature interactions -- nature–health interactions -- observer bias -- urbanisation; Ecology -- Periodicals; Evolution (Biology) -- Periodicals; 576.8
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2018.09.012
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0169-5347

Abstract

Abstract : The field of ecology has focused on understanding characteristics of natural systems in a manner as free as possible from biases of human observers. However, demand is growing for knowledge of human–nature interactions at the level of individual people. This is particularly driven by concerns around human health consequences due to changes in positive and negative interactions. This requires attention to the biased ways in which people encounter and experience other organisms. Here we define such a 'personalised ecology', and discuss its connections to other aspects of the field. We propose a framework of focal research topics, shaped by whether the unit of analysis is a single person, a single population, or multiple populations, and whether a human or nature perspective is foremost. Highlights: Traditionally, ecologists have focused on understanding the ecological world unbiased by how human observers interact with it. However, both the positive and negative nature interactions that people experience are the result of these biases. The nature interactions people experience will be heavily dependent on the ecology of species, as well as their own opportunities and behaviour. Scientists and policymakers need to determine and account for this 'personalised ecology', to better understand and balance the benefits that people gain from the natural world, whilst limiting negative impacts upon it.