16. Future directions for applied ethology

It is the expectation that the world population will grow to 9 billion people by 2050. There is no doubt that this dramatic increase will impact all of the animals with which we share this planet. A global population growing in size and affluence will greatly increase demand for food from animal sources, meaning global growth in livestock production. More livestock production means changes in land use, with more land being converted to grazing or animal feedstuff production, and more production of waste to be applied back to the land, together impacting natural habitats and wildlife species diversity. Greater affluence also means greater companion animal ownership, further increasing demand for food from animal sources, increasing feral populations with potential impacts on human health and wildlife diversity. In this chapter, we will attempt to gaze into the crystal ball and identify some future directions for applied ethology and for our Society. There is no doubt that applied ethologists can have exciting roles to play in shaping and safeguarding the welfare of domestic animals and wild animals in captivity, and also feral and wild animals living in their natural habitat, either impacting or being impacted by humans