Ready to go wild? Factors affecting the representation and contribution of veterinarians in a selection of wildlife-oriented research disciplines

Authored by Wild Animal Initiative Research Manager Michaël Beaulieu et al., this paper was published in the August 2026 issue of Research in Veterinary Science.

Abstract

Veterinarians could enrich wildlife-oriented research through their unique perspective informed by health and welfare. However, embarking on this path may prove challenging, as both research and wildlife play only a minor role in their education. To examine the factors affecting the representation and contribution of veterinarians in wildlife-oriented research, we identified and reviewed research articles recently published by veterinary authors in five wildlife-oriented disciplines differing in familiarity, establishment, and practical applicability (behavior, physiology, ecology/evolution, conservation, welfare). In general, we found that the representation and contribution of veterinarians in these disciplines were modest. A notable exception, however, was their high representation in wild animal welfare research, presumably because of (1) their familiarity with welfare-related topics, (2) the match between their early personal interests and the prevalence of animal welfare in their education, and (3) the practical applicability of this intervention-oriented research discipline. Importantly, having an additional PhD considerably increased the general contribution of veterinary authors. Overall, our results indicate that veterinarians are only partly prepared to conduct wildlife-oriented research. Veterinary education could facilitate their involvement in wildlife-oriented research by maintaining their early interest in wildlife throughout their studies while strengthening their interests in research.

Research sense: Incorporating animals’ sensory capacities in animal care and study design

Co-authored by Wild Animal Initiative Strategy Director Mal Graham, this paper was first published online in Laboratory Animals in December 2025.

Abstract

No systematic procedures exist to ensure that differences in animal sensory capacities are accounted for in experimental design and ethical review processes. This oversight can compromise both scientific validity and animal welfare. This review presents three practical methodologies to address this gap: incorporation of specialist expertise through consultation frameworks, voluntary certification schemes modeled on Open Science practices, and mandatory sensory capacity review integrated into existing ethics committee processes. We provide a concrete tool — a sensory modality survey — that can be implemented by institutional review committees to evaluate sensory considerations in research proposals systematically. These approaches align with the 3Rs principles by enhancing experimental refinement and potentially reducing animal use through improved study design.

Rehabilitating wild animal welfare: A focus on veterinary rescue and rehabilitation interventions

Authored by Wild Animal Initiative’s Research Manager, Michaël Beaulieu, this paper was published in the April 2025 issue of Research in Veterinary Science.

Abstract

• Conservation considerations are often put forward to justify wildlife veterinary interventions.

• Paradoxically, the conservation impact of such interventions is often uncertain.

• These interventions, however, have a clear impact on the welfare of wild animals.

• This confusion is likely related to the connection between animal conservation and welfare.

• Veterinarians need to explicitly recognize the welfare value of their interventions on wildlife.