Library
Browse resources published by our research team.
In addition to full texts of our peer-reviewed articles, our library includes research digests that break down our peer-reviewed articles; in-depth reports that thoroughly examine a topic; commentaries that explain the significance of particular issues in wild animal welfare science; and short communications that briefly survey a field or topic.
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The emerging field of wild animal welfare science
Vittoria Elliott et al.
Elliott, V., et al. (2026). The emerging field of wild animal welfare science. Trends in Ecology & Evolution, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rvsc.2026.106229
This paper was published online in June 2026 by Trends in Ecology & Evolution. It was authored by Wild Animal Initiative’s former Science Director, Vittoria Elliott, former Strategy Director Mal Graham, and co-authors.
Abstract
The emerging interdisciplinary field of wild animal welfare science (WAWS) explicitly expands the study of welfare to animals in the wild. It has applied value in informing how to improve the welfare of wild animals, ensuring they can thrive as well as survive in the face of the challenges of the Anthropocene. It also has intellectual value by generating new knowledge and insights about the affective states of wildlife. We aim to help scientists and practitioners understand how WAWS can support their work. To facilitate engagement in the field, we articulate core principles and key characteristics, and explore opportunities and challenges. We encourage those with relevant interests to engage in the field’s development and application.