Pond ecology and conservation: research priorities and knowledge gaps

Ponds are among the most biodiverse and ecologically important freshwater habitats globally may provide a significant opportunity to mitigate anthropogenic pressures reverse decline of aquatic biodiversity. also contributions society through provision ecosystem services. Despite ecological societal importance ponds, research, policy, conservation have historically focused on larger water bodies, with gaps remaining in our understanding pond ecosystems. In May 2019, researchers practitioners participated workshop tackle several ecology, conservation, management issues. Nine research themes 30 questions were identified during following address knowledge around: (1) habitat definition; (2) global long-term data availability; (3) stressors; (4) aquatic–terrestrial interactions; (5) succession disturbance; (6) connectivity; (7) monitoring technological advances; (8) socio-economic factors; (9) management, policy. Key areas for future inclusion ponds environmental policy discussed. Addressing fundamental ecosystems will facilitate more effective research-led pondscapes, their support sustainability services, help many threats driving