The string-pulling paradigm is an approach commonly used in the study of animal cognition to investigate problem-solving abilities. This test involves an out-of-reach reward that can only be acquired through pulling a string. Australian magpies ( Gymnorhina tibicen tyrannica ) can solve cognitive tasks requiring associative and reversal learning, spatial memory, and inhibitory control. Nonetheless, whether magpies can pass a t...

Despite broad recognition of the value of social sciences and increasingly vocal calls for better engagement with the human element of conservation, the conservation social sciences remain misunderstood and underutilized in practice. The conservation social sciences can provide unique and important contributions to society's understanding of the relationships between humans and nature and to improving conservation practice and...

Integrating knowledge from across the natural and social sciences is necessary to effectively address societal tradeoffs between human use of biological diversity and its preservation. Collaborative processes can change the ways decision makers think about scientific evidence, enhance levels of mutual trust and credibility, and advance the conservation policy discourse. Canada has responsibility for a large fraction of some ma...