Addressing Knowledge Shortfalls in Conservation Science: A long way to go, as quickly as possible

Abstract

Knowledge shortfalls can preclude and bias our understanding of biodiversity, thus hindering its effective conservation. However, the impact of knowledge shortfalls on conservation actions and decision-making is still poorly explored. In this special issue, we will focus on how and to what extent previously described knowledge shortfalls preclude our chances to elaborate and conduct robust conservation actions. We also encourage authors to describe and discuss new relevant shortfalls that are biasing conservation findings and/or hindering efforts but that have not been formally described. Shortfalls can be related to different causes including, but not exclusive to, methodological issues, data biases, social, and academic inequity, among others.