
"A deeper understanding of the wellbeing of wild animal populations can not only enhance conservation efforts, but also provide an indication of the state of the natural environment and its recognised links to human health and wellbeing." "While research on the welfare of domestic and farm animals has been considerable, including indicators of emotional states such as stress, pain and fear, my aim is to bridge the gap by examining the individual lives, feelings and mental experiences of wild animals," Dr Harvey said. This shift in perspective could provide crucial early warning signals about species challenges and population declines, leading to more effective conservation strategies. Instead of focusing solely on population numbers and reproductive success, the research explores the quality of life experienced by wild animals.


The significance of the study lies in its potential to revolutionise conservation efforts.
