Samenvatting
Zoological research -- encompassing systematic taxonomy, population ecology, behavioural science, conservation
biology, and wildlife management -- contributes to sustainable development through multiple pathways: providing the
biodiversity knowledge base essential for ecosystem service valuation and natural capital accounting; informing
wildlife-based economic sectors (ecotourism, sustainable fisheries, pollination services); enabling zoonotic disease
surveillance and pandemic prevention through wildlife health monitoring; supporting food security through insect
pollinator conservation and biological pest control research; and generating the evidence base for biodiversity-inclusive
land use planning and environmental impact assessment. This review synthesises evidence from 186 primary studies
(2005-2025) examining the contributions of zoological research to eight Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) -- SDG
2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 3 (Good Health), SDG 8 (Decent Work), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities), SDG 13 (Climate Action),
SDG 14 (Life Below Water), SDG 15 (Life on Land), and SDG 17 (Partnerships) -- quantifying economic and social
co-benefits where evidence is available. Zoological research most directly contributes to SDG 15 (composite contribution
score 2.72/3.0) and SDG 14 (2.48), but significant contributions to SDG 2 (pollinator and pest control research: estimated
EUR 153 billion/year European economic value) and SDG 3 (zoonotic disease surveillance: 60% of emerging infectious
diseases are zoonotic) are frequently undervalued in research impact assessments. A framework for aligning zoological
research priorities with SDG targets and EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030 commitments is presented.