Pandemic lockdown stirs up ecological research

Biologists launch studies of how wildlife around the world responded to the "anthropause." Scientists are hoping for new insights into wildlife ecology by studying the effects of the dramatic slowdown in human activity caused by the pandemic, dubbed the "anthropause." The unique natural experiment is allowing researchers to compare how animals behaved before, during, and after the pandemic—and perhaps glean insights into how to better protect wildlife once human activity resumes full speed. Some scientists are pooling data on animal movements to probe large-scale responses to emptier roads and airports, investigating whether animals crossed roads more frequently, for example, or ventured out at unusual times of day. At popular destinations such as national parks, the tourism standstill has opened other research opportunities. The data could help local officials better manage tourists once they return. Scientists acknowledge that these research opportunities are coming at the expense of much human death and suffering.