Fred Provenza

The Web of Life: How Behavior Connects Humans, Animals, and Landscapes

Human health is tied to the health of the land. Dr. Fred Provenza and his team are demonstrating how interrelationships among soils, plants, animals and people affect the health of landscapes. By understanding those interconnections, land and resources managers can increase profits while enhancing the health of landscapes socially, economically, and environmentally. For the past 30 years, Fred Provenza’s team has produced groundbreaking research that has laid the foundation for what is now known as behavior-based management of livestock, wildlife and landscapes. In 2001, their efforts led to the formation of a consortium of scientists known as BEHAVE (Behavioral Education for Human, Animal, Vegetation and Ecosystem Management), an international network with members from five continents. The BEHAVE team is working to create awareness among a broad range of interests, including land management, wildlife management, eco-development, and even nutrition. By helping these groups understand the behavior of humans, animals, and the changing environment, BEHAVE helps them apply new and more efficient practices that benefit animals, the environment, and even the businesses that manage the land.