Defining Science-Informed Decision-Making

Wildlife governance is often shaped by tradition, politics, or narrow interests rather than rigorous science. This white paper, authored by renowned conservation scientists Adrian Treves and Kirk Robinson, was prepared for Wildlife for All and wildlife advocates seeking to reform wildlife policy anywhere in the world. It provides a clear framework for what science-informed decision-making should look like in wildlife policy.

The paper is designed for advocates, policymakers, and concerned citizens who want to ensure that decisions about wildlife management:

• Are guided by the best available scientific evidence, not just convenience or special interests.

• Take into account uncertainty, complexity, and ecological interconnections.

• Prioritize ecosystem health, biodiversity, and ethical considerations, rather than focusing narrowly on game species.

• Promote transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in decision-making.

Why does this matter? Decisions about wildlife—such as predator control, hunting quotas, or habitat management—can have far-reaching impacts on ecosystems, species populations, and communities. Yet many current governance structures fail to systematically incorporate scientific knowledge.

This paper provides wildlife advocates with the language, principles, and reasoning needed to push for governance reforms that are both scientifically credible and ethically grounded.

Key Takeaways for Advocates

1. Evidence matters: Wildlife policy must rely on empirical data and peer-reviewed research, not tradition or political pressure.
2. Holistic approach: Consider interactions among species, habitats, climate change, and human communities.
3. Adaptive management: Policies should be flexible and updated as new data and knowledge become available.
4. Inclusive governance: Scientific input must be integrated alongside diverse stakeholder perspectives.
5. Transparency and accountability: Decisions and the reasoning behind them should be publicly accessible.

How to Use This Paper

• For advocacy: Use the principles outlined here when speaking to legislators, commissioners, or the public.

• For policy reform: Inform the creation or revision of wildlife management frameworks, state action plans, and commission procedures.

• For education: Share with local communities, schools, and conservation networks to increase understanding of science-based decision-making.

📥 Read the full white paper: Defining Science-Informed Decision-Making (PDF)