Behavioural influences on disease risk: implications for conservation and management

While parasites are fundamental components of ecological systems, emerging infectious diseases are a growing concern for conservation and management. Understanding the drivers and consequences of disease emergence in natural systems is complex because of the diverse array of factors associated with disease dynamics. Host behaviour plays an important role in disease dynamics across multiple scales (individuals to landscapes). Here, we synthesize our current understanding of the interplay between behaviour and disease in the context of conservation. We review the general importance of behaviour for determining the probability of exposure to parasites and the likelihood of infection once exposed. We also discuss the influence of infection on behaviours that affect disease transmission in populations and the potential trait-mediated indirect interactions that can influence disease risk within communities. Furthermore, we present several case studies demonstrating how the incorporation of behaviour into conservation and management strategies is critical for understanding emerging infectious diseases. Given the fundamental relationships between behaviour and infectious disease, there is a need for the development of practical methods for integrating this knowledge into conservation. Establishing a dialogue and forming collaborations between scientists and wildlife managers across multiple scales is an essential step. Ultimately, conservation practices that integrate knowledge of behaviour and infectious diseases will have a greater chance of success.