Integrating spatiotemporal and cultural dimensions of animal behavior can enhance conservation

Behavioral ecology has seen a recent integration of the spatiotemporal and cultural elements of animal behavior. However, similar integration in ecosystem management and wildlife conservation remains an important gap. Here we explore how the intersections among space, time, and culture in animal behavior can inform and enhance conservation practices. Drawing on instructive examples from cetaceans, we examine instances where protection of a location or resource can facilitate the conservation of culture (e.g., place-based, socially learned behaviors), and where focusing on conserving culturally distinct groups can yield protection in space and time (e.g., memory of migratory destinations). These examples highlight the value of examining these intersecting dimensions and their interactions. We propose that the foundations learned from behavioral ecology theory can aid in identifying key research gaps, and can guide conservation actions which consider space, time, and culture in concert. Such integrated efforts can enable more holistic protections for diverse taxa.