CONSENSIS – CONservation SENSory paleobiology International Scientific network

“Conservation paleobiology has emerged over the past two decades as a powerful approach … to provide a deep time perspective … One area that is yet to benefit from this integrated approach is sensory evolution“

Rachel Racicot (Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum)

Travis Park (Monash University)

To address this research gap, we will 1) establish a conservation sensory paleobiology community for the very first time; 2) pool our data into a single shareable resource, with an online database of 3D models and related metadata; 3) establish future research directions and map the best pathways for funding for analyses and student training; and 4) write a seminal publication that will act as a launching pad for future research efforts.

This workshop will mark the establishment of a new interdisciplinary subfield, with the mission to create meaningful tools to aid both conservationists and paleobiologists in understanding how sensory systems have changed over time, and to utilise these data to protect species at risk today.

The workshop’s interdisciplinary approach will generate synergies currently absent in the field. By bringing together researchers working on disparate aspects of sensory biology – from sensory morphology to physiology to conservation applications – we anticipate accelerated methodological development and identification of previously unrecognized research opportunities. Most critically, the explicit inclusion of conservation biologists alongside paleontologists addresses a notable gap in current approaches. This collaboration will enable direct translation of deep-time sensory evolution patterns into actionable conservation strategies, while simultaneously providing conservation biologists with temporal baselines for assessing anthropogenic impacts on sensory systems. The workshop thus aims to establish conservation sensory paleobiology as a recognized subdiscipline with clear methodological standards and collaborative networks.

Workshop objectives:

1. Consolidate our data to create the framework for a database of 3D models and associated metadata.

2. Develop and implement a strategy for future funding proposals, including strengthening collaboration between researchers in sensory biology, conservation, and paleobiology.

3. Draft a foundational publication to establish baselines for the subfield, highlight future research avenues, and identify new tools for development within the broader community.