Ethology Going Wild: Linking conservation, animal behaviour, and cognitive studies in the wild

On Tuesday, July 1st, 2025, the workshop titled “Ethology Going Wild: Linking conservation, animal behaviour, and cognitive studies in the wild” will take place at the  Ichthyogenic Experimental Marine Centre (CISMAR)*, located within the “Tarquinia Salterns” Nature Reserve. The initiative is one of the winning projects of the SIE 2025 Call promoted by the Italian Society for Ethology (SIE).

The workshop will be held in English and will focus on a key theme for the future of research: the integration of ethology into conservation, with particular attention to the role and challenges of cognitive studies conducted in natural environments. The day will include four scientific talks, along with dedicated moments for discussion and direct interaction with the speakers.

Active audience participation will be encouraged throughout the event to foster a constructive and interdisciplinary exchange between theoretical and applied research.

Workshop Program
10:00 AM | Institutional greetings and introduction
10:15  AM| Icebreaking activity
11:00 AM | Mark O’Hara and Berenika Mioduszewska: Stories from the field: Exploring the cognitive ecology of wild Goffin’s cockatoos
1:00 PM | Free lunch break (Please note lunch is not provided)
2:30 PM | Claudio Carere: Collective escape responses to a robotic falcon
3:30 PM | Jasmin Firozpoor: Working for the Wild: Insights into practical conservation
4:30 PM | Discussion and closing remarks

The workshop is open to students, researchers, professionals, and anyone interested in exploring the value of ethology applied to biodiversity conservation.

La participation is free, but due to high interest and limited seats, it is necessary to register in advance by contacting Dr. Valeria Mazza at: valeria.mazza@unitus.it.

Flyer

*The Tarquinia Salterns, where CISMAR is located, are within a restricted traffic zone (ZTL). However, it is still possible to reach CISMAR by car: vehicles can drive up to the barriers, which are located just a few dozen meters from the facility. Once there, simply scan the QR code available on site to register your license plate and avoid any fines.