Why conservation biology needs mathematics

This presentation was prepared for Les Grandes conférences publiques du Centre de Recherches Mathematique (CRM), and delivered on May 6, 2016 at the Université de Montréal.

Abstract: The term conservation biology tends to conjure up images of field research in remote locations and weathered-looking scientists searching for endangered species, but chalkboards, computers, and – yes - mathematics are important tools for the modern-day conservation biologist. Ecological data are often noisy and sparse, making it difficult to draw conclusions about the factors driving change in wildlife populations and the environment. Mathematical models can describe the mechanisms that may underlie patterns in ecological data and increase our power to quantitatively test alternative hypotheses, predict future change, and evaluate the potential outcomes of different management scenarios. In an age where government and industry demand evidence before action, mathematics may be the key to conservation.