These days a species' behavior may not be in its best interests because what works in undisturbed habitats may no longer apply in those altered by people. But most plans for conserving endangered species fail to account for behavior, says Michael Reed of Tufts University in Medford, Massachusetts.
Examples of behavior that contributes to extinction include:
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Cape vultures like to perch on high roosts while foraging--but roosting on
electric wires can lead to electrocution.
Newell's shearwaters are attracted to nocturnal light--but flying into lights on cars and buildings often results in death.
Least Bell's vireos nest along habitat edges--but today their habitat is so fragmented that the edges are highly susceptible to predators.
While Reed focused on birds, his findings apply to many other kinds of animals from insects to mammals.
Journal
Conservation Biology