Conservation at the Crossroads: Forest Ecology, Wildlife Dynamics, and Emerging Challenges for Ecosystem Resilience

Dear Colleagues,

Forests are at a critical crossroad, increasingly threatened by multiple stressors acting simultaneously that not only affect species distributions and population dynamics but also disrupt essential ecological processes such as trophic interactions, habitat connectivity, and resource availability. Many forested landscapes are approaching ecological thresholds beyond which recovery may be uncertain. Concurrently, wildlife populations that depend on forest ecosystems are experiencing range shifts, genetic isolation, and disrupted trophic interactions, leading to cascading effects on biodiversity and ecological stability. The decline in keystone species and apex predators can lead to cascading effects, destabilizing ecosystem function and threatening biodiversity. The urgency of addressing these issues is underscored by the need for adaptive management strategies that are responsive to real-time changes in ecosystems.

As we confront these mounting challenges, conservation strategies must evolve from traditional static models to adaptive, integrated conservation approaches that consider the dynamic and complex interactions between forest ecology, wildlife dynamics, and emerging environmental stressors to develop science-based strategies that enhance ecosystem resilience. A crucial component of this shift is the implementation of long-term ecological monitoring, advanced analytical tools, and predictive modeling to ensure the resilience of forest ecosystems and wildlife populations. Traditional methods such as field surveys, dendrochronology, and ecological assessments provide foundational data on species dynamics and forest health, offering critical baselines for understanding resilience and guiding future management strategies. These time-tested techniques, when combined with modern monitoring technologies such as remote sensing, machine learning, and species distribution modeling, enhance our ability to track ecosystem changes, assess species responses, and inform conservation decision-making. Additionally, fostering habitat connectivity, mitigating human–wildlife conflict, and adopting adaptive management approaches are crucial for sustaining biodiversity and promoting ecosystem recovery amidst accelerating environmental stressors.

This Topic seeks to advance interdisciplinary research that addresses contemporary threats to forest ecosystems and their wildlife. We welcome studies that explore species–habitat relationships, ecosystem responses to environmental stressors, the role of keystone and threatened species, and methodological advancements in conservation science. Submissions may include original research articles, reviews, short communications, and case studies that contribute to a deeper understanding of ecosystem resilience and adaptive conservation solutions. By fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration and data-driven conservation strategies, this Topic aims to develop science-based interventions that sustain forest biodiversity and ecosystem function in the face of unprecedented global change.

Dr. Yiannis G. Zevgolis
Dr. Triantaphyllos Akriotis
Dr. Anastasia Christopoulou
Prof. Dr. Panayiotis G. Dimitrakopoulos
Dr. Dimitra-Lida Rammou
Prof. Dr. Dionisios Youlatos
Topic Editors