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Saltz D, Cohen S. Naturalness and principle pluralism in conservation. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2023; 37:e14137. [PMID: 37377162 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.14137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
The concept of naturalness in biodiversity conservation remains polysemic, hampering decision-making. Although some conservationists claim ecosystem naturalness should be primarily determined by composition (integrity), others argue it should be determined by the extent of freedom from anthropogenic influence (autonomy). Problems arise when deciding how to treat affected ecosystems. Although the integrity school promotes benchmark-based active restoration, the autonomy school advocates a hands-off policy, making these 2 approaches contradictory. Moreover, expected global changes have promoted advocacy for ecosystem resilience, further complicating the debate. We argue that autonomy, integrity, and resilience are all morally valid. The conflict between them is contained by recognizing that full naturalness is an unattainable goal; restoration and rewilding processes are not an act of curation, but a contrary-to-duty obligation; principle pluralism can accommodate integrity, resilience, and autonomy as pro tanto principles in a case-specific approach; and naturalness, as an overarching value, gives unity to the plurality of principles.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Saltz
- Mitrani Department of Desert Ecology, Swiss Institute for Dryland Environment and Energy Research, Ben Gurion University, Sde-Boqer Campus, Israel
| | - Shlomo Cohen
- Department of Philosophy, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er-Sheva, Israel
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2
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PVA-based assessment of resiliency, redundancy, and representation in an imperiled freshwater turtle. Glob Ecol Conserv 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2023.e02419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
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3
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VanderWerf EA, Taylor PE, Rohrer JL, Dittmar E, Burt MD. Improved status of the conservation reliant Oahu Elepaio through effective management and natural adaptation. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2023. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.12887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Philip E. Taylor
- U.S. Army Garrison, Environmental Division Directorate of Public Works Schofield Barracks Hawaii USA
| | - Jobriath L. Rohrer
- U.S. Army Garrison, Environmental Division Directorate of Public Works Schofield Barracks Hawaii USA
| | | | - Matthew D. Burt
- U.S. Army Garrison, Environmental Division Directorate of Public Works Schofield Barracks Hawaii USA
- 36 Civil Engineering Squadron Environmental Flight, Unit 14007, Andersen Air Force Base Guam
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4
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Cross TB, Tack JD, Naugle DE, Schwartz MK, Doherty KE, Oyler-McCance SJ, Pritchert RD, Fedy BC. The ties that bind the sagebrush biome: integrating genetic connectivity into range-wide conservation of greater sage-grouse. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2023; 10:220437. [PMID: 36844808 PMCID: PMC9943888 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.220437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Conserving genetic connectivity is fundamental to species persistence, yet rarely is made actionable into spatial planning for imperilled species. Climate change and habitat degradation have added urgency to embrace connectivity into networks of protected areas. Our two-step process integrates a network model with a functional connectivity model, to identify population centres important to maintaining genetic connectivity then to delineate those pathways most likely to facilitate connectivity thereamong for the greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus), a species of conservation concern ranging across eleven western US states and into two Canadian provinces. This replicable process yielded spatial action maps, able to be prioritized by importance to maintaining range-wide genetic connectivity. We used these maps to investigate the efficacy of 3.2 million ha designated as priority areas for conservation (PACs) to encompass functional connectivity. We discovered that PACs encompassed 41.1% of cumulative functional connectivity-twice the amount of connectivity as random-and disproportionately encompassed the highest-connectivity landscapes. Comparing spatial action maps to impedances to connectivity such as cultivation and woodland expansion allows both planning for future management and tracking outcomes from past efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Todd B. Cross
- School of Environment, Resources and Sustainability, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jason D. Tack
- Habitat and Population Evaluation Team, US Fish and Wildlife Service, 32 Campus Drive, Missoula, MT, USA
| | - David E. Naugle
- W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, USA
| | - Michael K. Schwartz
- USDA Forest Service, National Genomics Center for Wildlife and Fish Conservation, Rocky Mountain Research Station, 800 East Beckwith Avenue, Missoula, MT, USA
| | | | | | - Ronald D. Pritchert
- Habitat and Population Evaluation Team, US Fish and Wildlife Service, 3425 Miriam Avenue, Bismarck, ND, USA
| | - Bradley C. Fedy
- School of Environment, Resources and Sustainability, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
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5
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Robinson SG, Walker KM, Bellman HA, Gibson D, Catlin DH, Karpanty SM, Ritter SJ, Fraser JD. Piping plover chick ecology following landscape‐level disturbance. J Wildl Manage 2023. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.22325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Samantha G. Robinson
- Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation, Virginia Tech Blacksburg VA 24061 USA
| | - Katie M. Walker
- Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation, Virginia Tech Blacksburg VA 24061 USA
| | - Henrietta A. Bellman
- Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation, Virginia Tech Blacksburg VA 24061 USA
| | - Daniel Gibson
- Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation, Virginia Tech Blacksburg VA 24061 USA
| | - Daniel H. Catlin
- Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation, Virginia Tech Blacksburg VA 24061 USA
| | - Sarah M. Karpanty
- Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation, Virginia Tech Blacksburg VA 24061 USA
| | - Shannon J. Ritter
- Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation, Virginia Tech Blacksburg VA 24061 USA
| | - James D. Fraser
- Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation, Virginia Tech Blacksburg VA 24061 USA
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Paxton EH, Paxton KL, Kawasaki MT, Gorresen PM, van Rees CB, Underwood JG. Hawaiian waterbird movement across a developed landscape. J Wildl Manage 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.22336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Eben H. Paxton
- U.S. Geological Survey Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center Box 44, Hawaiʻi National Park HI 96718 USA
| | - Kristina L. Paxton
- Hawaiʻi Cooperative Studies Unit University of Hawaiʻi Hilo PO Box 44, Hawaiʻi National Park HI 96718 USA
| | - Martha T. Kawasaki
- Hawaiʻi Cooperative Studies Unit University of Hawaiʻi Hilo PO Box 44, Hawaiʻi National Park HI 96718 USA
| | - P. Marcos Gorresen
- Hawaiʻi Cooperative Studies Unit University of Hawaiʻi Hilo PO Box 44, Hawaiʻi National Park HI 96718 USA
| | - Charles B. van Rees
- Department of Biology Tufts University 200 College Avenue Medford MA 02155 USA
| | - Jared G. Underwood
- Pacific Islands National Wildlife Refuge Complex U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Honolulu HI 96850 USA
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7
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Lynch T, Green M, Wong L, Bessell T, Cooper A, Valentine J, Barrett N, Ross D, McEnnulty F, Foster S. Assessment of conservations actions for the critically endangered spotted handfish (Brachionichthyidae), following curation of data collected by multiple investigators into a long-term time-series. J Nat Conserv 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2022.126237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Van Dyke F, Harju S, Hindy M, Cannata N, Schmidt E, Hillman E, Sargent A, Keas B. Comparative detection, density, and reproductive performance of Kirtland's warbler in jack and red pine. J Wildl Manage 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.22233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Fred Van Dyke
- Au Sable Institute 7526 Sunset Trail NE Mancelona MI 49659 USA
| | - Seth Harju
- Heron Ecological LLC P. O. Box 235 Kingston ID 83839 USA
| | - Michael Hindy
- Cornerstone University 1001 E Beltline Avenue Grand Rapids MI 49525 USA
| | - Natalie Cannata
- Calvin University 3201 Burton Street SE Grand Rapids MI 49546 USA
| | - Emily Schmidt
- Taylor University 236 W Reade Avenue Upland IN 46989 USA
| | - Erin Hillman
- Eastern University 1300 Eagle Road St Davids PA 19087 USA
| | - Alyssa Sargent
- Messiah University One College Avenue Mechanicsburg PA 17055 USA
| | - Brian Keas
- Au Sable Institute 7526 Sunset Trail NE Mancelona MI 49659 USA
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Bradley HS, Craig MD, Cross AT, Tomlinson S, Bamford MJ, Bateman PW. Revealing microhabitat requirements of an endangered specialist lizard with LiDAR. Sci Rep 2022; 12:5193. [PMID: 35338156 PMCID: PMC8956745 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-08524-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
A central principle of threatened species management is the requirement for detailed understanding of species habitat requirements. Difficult terrain or cryptic behaviour can, however, make the study of habitat or microhabitat requirements difficult, calling for innovative data collection techniques. We used high-resolution terrestrial LiDAR imaging to develop three-dimensional models of log piles, quantifying the structural characteristics linked with occupancy of an endangered cryptic reptile, the western spiny-tailed skink (Egernia stokesii badia). Inhabited log piles were generally taller with smaller entrance hollows and a wider main log, had more high-hanging branches, fewer low-hanging branches, more mid- and understorey cover, and lower maximum canopy height. Significant characteristics linked with occupancy were longer log piles, an average of three logs, less canopy cover, and the presence of overhanging vegetation, likely relating to colony segregation, thermoregulatory requirements, and foraging opportunities. In addition to optimising translocation site selection, understanding microhabitat specificity of E. s. badia will help inform a range of management objectives, such as targeted monitoring and invasive predator control. There are also diverse opportunities for the application of this technology to a wide variety of future ecological studies and wildlife management initiatives pertaining to a range of cryptic, understudied taxa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly S Bradley
- ARC Centre for Mine Site Restoration, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley, Perth, WA, 6102, Australia.
| | - Michael D Craig
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia.,School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, 6150, Australia
| | - Adam T Cross
- ARC Centre for Mine Site Restoration, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley, Perth, WA, 6102, Australia.,EcoHealth Network (http://ecohealthglobal.org), 1330 Beacon St, Suite 355a, Brookline, MA, 02446, USA
| | - Sean Tomlinson
- School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley, Perth, WA, 6102, Australia.,Kings Park Science, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Kattij Close, Kings Park, WA, 6005, Australia.,School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - Michael J Bamford
- Bamford Consulting Ecologists, Plover Way, Kingsley, WA, 6026, Australia
| | - Philip W Bateman
- Behavioural Ecology Laboratory, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley, Perth, WA, 6102, Australia
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Doherty KE, Boyd CS, Kerby JD, Sitz AL, Foster LJ, Cahill MC, Johnson DD, Sparklin BD. Threat‐Based State and Transition Models Predict Sage‐Grouse Occurrence while Promoting Landscape Conservation. WILDLIFE SOC B 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/wsb.1200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Chad S. Boyd
- USDA Agricultural Research Service & Eastern Oregon Agricultural Research Center Burns OR 97720 USA
| | | | - Angela L. Sitz
- United States Fish and Wildlife Service Bend OR 97701 USA
| | - Lee J. Foster
- Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Hines OR 97738 USA
| | | | - Dustin D. Johnson
- Oregon State University & Eastern Oregon Agricultural Research Center Burns OR 97720 USA
| | - Bill D. Sparklin
- United States Fish and Wildlife Service Great Falls MT 59404 USA
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Olsen AC, Severson JP, Maestas JD, Naugle DE, Smith JT, Tack JD, Yates KH, Hagen CA. Reversing tree expansion in sagebrush steppe yields population‐level benefit for imperiled grouse. Ecosphere 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.3551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew C. Olsen
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Oregon State University Corvallis Oregon97331USA
| | - John P. Severson
- Department of Fish and Wildlife Sciences University of Idaho Moscow Idaho83844USA
| | - Jeremy D. Maestas
- West National Technology Support Center Natural Resources Conservation Service Portland Oregon97232USA
| | - David E. Naugle
- Wildlife Biology Program University of Montana Missoula Montana59812USA
| | - Joseph T. Smith
- Numerical Terradynamic Simulation Group University of Montana Missoula Montana59812USA
| | - Jason D. Tack
- Habitat and Population Evaluation Team United States Fish and Wildlife Service Missoula Montana59812USA
| | - Kate H. Yates
- Lakeview District, Bureau of Land Management Lakeview Oregon97630USA
| | - Christian A. Hagen
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Oregon State University Corvallis Oregon97331USA
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12
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Serenari C. Conservation reliance and its influence on support for carnivore recovery. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
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13
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Rangeland Land-Sharing, Livestock Grazing’s Role in the Conservation of Imperiled Species. SUSTAINABILITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/su13084466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Land sharing, conserving biodiversity on productive lands, is globally promoted. Much of the land highest in California’s biodiversity is used for livestock production, providing an opportunity to understand land sharing and species conservation. A review of United States Fish and Wildlife Service listing documents for 282 threatened and endangered species in California reveals a complex and varied relationship between grazing and conservation. According to these documents, 51% or 143 of the federally listed animal and plant species are found in habitats with grazing. While livestock grazing is a stated threat to 73% (104) of the species sharing habitat with livestock, 59% (85) of the species are said to be positively influenced, with considerable overlap between species both threatened and benefitting from grazing. Grazing is credited with benefiting flowering plants, mammals, insects, reptiles, amphibians, fish, crustaceans, and bird species by managing the state’s novel vegetation and providing and maintaining habitat structure and ecosystem functions. Benefits are noted for species across all of California’s terrestrial habitats, except alpine, and for some aquatic habitats, including riparian, wetlands, and temporary pools. Managed grazing can combat anthropomorphic threats, such as invasive species and nitrogen deposition, supporting conservation-reliant species as part of land sharing.
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Abstract
Abstract
Conservation research is less often applied in practice than is desirable for the optimization of conservation outcomes. We evaluated this conservation research–practice gap for a threatened passerine, Dupont's lark Chersophilus duponti. We reviewed the literature and classified the conservation interventions proposed by scientists as regulation and legislation, monitoring and research, or management. We sent a questionnaire to managers responsible for species conservation, to gather information about the reasons for implementing, or not, each conservation intervention. We found 16 conservation interventions proposed in the literature, of which 13 (81.2%) had been applied by managers at least once. We found a disparity between the frequency of scientific recommendations and the actions implemented by managers: some measures with high scientific consensus were rarely adopted, whereas approaches less frequently proposed by scientists were more often implemented by managers. Regulatory and monitoring/research interventions were applied more often than management interventions, probably because of legal obligations. Management interventions were less frequently implemented, mainly because of time and budget limitations. There was a negative correlation between the number of interventions implemented and the population trend of the species in each region, which suggests that conservation interventions were more commonly implemented when the species was facing local extinction. Our results indicate a mismatch between science and practice for the conservation of Dupont's lark, the reasons for which seem to be diverse and include factors such as financial and time limitations, legal obstacles and managers' perception of extinction risk. An iterative dialogue needs to be initiated between scientists and managers to evaluate the efficacy of interventions implemented, and facilitate evidence-based conservation.
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Haines AM, Leu M, Costante DM, Treakle TC, Parenti C, Miller JRB, Malcom JW. Benchmark for the ESA: Having a Backbone Is Good for Recovery. FRONTIERS IN CONSERVATION SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fcosc.2021.630490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
To forestall the current rate of global extinction, we need to identify strategies that successfully recover species. In the last decade, the recovery record for the United States Endangered Species Act (ESA) has improved. Our aim was to review federal delisting documents for recovered species and quantify patterns in taxonomy, history of threats, policy, funding and actions that are associated with species recovery. In comparison to species still listed, the average recovered species was a vertebrate, had been listed longer under the ESA, was exposed to a lower number of threats at the time of listing, and received relatively higher levels of funding. Based on our review, we suggest the following strategies to improve species recovery: provide more time for ESA protection, allocate more funding for recovery, maintain environmental regulations that facilitate recovery, establish more private landowner agreements, and increase the area of protected lands.
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Apa AD, Aagaard K, Rice MB, Phillips E, Neubaum DJ, Seward N, Stiver JR, Wait S. Seasonal habitat suitability models for a threatened species: the Gunnison sage-grouse. WILDLIFE RESEARCH 2021. [DOI: 10.1071/wr20006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
ContextThe Gunnison sage-grouse (Centrocercus minimus) has experienced range-wide declines and has been listed as Threatened by the USA Fish and Wildlife Service to receive protections under the USA Endangered Species Act. A draft Recovery Plan was recently completed. No seasonal habitat models have been developed for the small isolated populations.
AimsTo develop a habitat suitability model that was collaboratively developed between modellers and conservation practitioners to predict the probability of use by Gunnison sage-grouse during the breeding and summer seasons in designated occupied critical habitat, and extrapolate to adjacent designated unoccupied critical habitat.
MethodsWe captured, marked and tracked Gunnison sage-grouse in nine different studies spanning 25 years. We used a suite of biotic, abiotic and vegetation local-level and population-scale covariates in a use-available resource selection function to develop models that predict the probability of use by Gunnison sage-grouse.
Key resultsWe used 9140 Gunnison sage-grouse locations from 406 individual birds to develop nine resource selection models for occupied habitat and extrapolated model predictions to adjacent unoccupied critical habitat in five small isolated Gunnison sage-grouse populations. A majority of our models validated well.
ConclusionsWe report the first two-season resource use-based habitat suitability models for five of six small isolated Gunnison sage-grouse populations. Because of the unique habitat use by Gunnison sage-grouse in each population, we recommend that resource managers strategically target management actions in individual populations and avoid ‘one-size-fits-all’ habitat management prescriptions.
ImplicationsOur models will assist managers in the identification of seasonal habitats within populations to target management actions for Gunnison sage-grouse recovery.
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Reconsidering the role of the built environment in human–wildlife interactions. PEOPLE AND NATURE 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/pan3.10163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
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Mayfield HJ, Brazill‐Boast J, Gorrod E, Evans MC, Auld T, Rhodes JR, Maron M. Estimating species response to management using an integrated process: A case study from New South Wales, Australia. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Helen J. Mayfield
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, Faculty of Science The University of Queensland Brisbane Queensland Australia
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences The University of Queensland Brisbane Queensland Australia
| | - James Brazill‐Boast
- Department of Planning Industry and Environment, New South Wales Government Sydney Australia
- Centre for Ecosystem Science University of New South Wales Sydney Australia
| | - Emma Gorrod
- Department of Planning Industry and Environment, New South Wales Government Sydney Australia
- Centre for Ecosystem Science University of New South Wales Sydney Australia
| | - Megan C. Evans
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, Faculty of Science The University of Queensland Brisbane Queensland Australia
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences The University of Queensland Brisbane Queensland Australia
- School of Business University of New South Wales Canberra Australia
| | - Tony Auld
- Department of Planning Industry and Environment, New South Wales Government Sydney Australia
- Centre for Ecosystem Science University of New South Wales Sydney Australia
- School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences University of Wollongong Wollongong Australia
| | - Jonathan R. Rhodes
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, Faculty of Science The University of Queensland Brisbane Queensland Australia
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences The University of Queensland Brisbane Queensland Australia
| | - Martine Maron
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, Faculty of Science The University of Queensland Brisbane Queensland Australia
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences The University of Queensland Brisbane Queensland Australia
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Thompson D, Glowacki G, Ludwig D, Reklau R, Kuhns AR, Golba CK, King R. Benefits of Head‐starting for Blanding's Turtle Size Distributions and Recruitment. WILDLIFE SOC B 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/wsb.1054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Thompson
- Forest Preserve District of DuPage County Naperville IL 60563 USA
| | - Gary Glowacki
- Lake County Forest Preserve DistrictLibertyville IL 60048 USA
| | - Daniel Ludwig
- Forest Preserve District of DuPage County Naperville IL 60563 USA
| | - Rachel Reklau
- Forest Preserve District of DuPage County Naperville IL 60563 USA
| | - Andrew R. Kuhns
- Illinois Natural History Survey, Prairie Research Institute, University of IllinoisChampaign IL 61820 USA
| | - Callie Klatt Golba
- Department of Biological SciencesNorthern Illinois UniversityDeKalb IL 60115 USA
| | - Richard King
- Department of Biological Sciences and Institute for the Study of the Environment, Sustainability, and EnergyNorthern Illinois University DeKalb IL 60115 USA
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Adler PH, Barzen J, Gray E, Lacy A, Urbanek RP, Converse SJ. The dilemma of pest suppression in the conservation of endangered species. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2019; 33:788-796. [PMID: 30520153 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.13262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2018] [Revised: 10/22/2018] [Accepted: 12/02/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
In the conservation of endangered species, suppression of a population of one native species to benefit another poses challenges. Examples include predator control and nest parasite reduction. Less obvious is the control of blood-feeding arthropods. We conducted a case study of the effect of native black flies (Simulium spp.) on reintroduced Whooping Cranes (Grus americana). Our intent was to provide a science-driven approach for determining the effects of blood-feeding arthropods on endangered vertebrates and identifying optimal management actions for managers faced with competing objectives. A multiyear experiment demonstrated that black flies reduce nest success in cranes by driving incubating birds off their nests. We used a decision-analytic approach to develop creative management alternatives and evaluate trade-offs among competing objectives. We identified 4 management objectives: establish a self-sustaining crane population, improve crane well-being, maintain native black flies as functional components of the ecosystem, and minimize costs. We next identified potential management alternatives: do nothing, suppress black flies, force crane renesting to occur after the activity period of black flies, relocate releases of cranes, suppress black flies and relocate releases, or force crane renesting and relocate releases. We then developed predictions on constructed scales of 0 (worst-performing alternative) to 1 (best-performing alternative) to indicate how alternative actions performed in terms of management objectives. The optimal action depended on the relative importance of each objective to a decision maker. Only relocating releases was a dominated alternative, indicating that it was not optimal regardless of the relative importance of objectives. A rational decision maker could choose any other management alternative we considered. Recognizing that decisions involve trade-offs that must be weighed by decision makers is crucial to identifying alternatives that best balance multiple management objectives. Given uncertainty about the population dynamics of blood-feeding arthropods, an adaptive management approach could offer substantial benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter H Adler
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Clemson University, 130 McGinty Court, Clemson, SC, 29634, U.S.A
| | - Jeb Barzen
- International Crane Foundation, E-11376 Shady Lane Road, Baraboo, WI, 53913, U.S.A
- Current address: Private Lands Conservation LLC, S-12213 Round River Trail, Spring Green, WI, 53588, U.S.A
| | - Elmer Gray
- Department of Entomology, University of Georgia, 413 Biological Sciences Building, Athens, GA, 30602, U.S.A
| | - Anne Lacy
- International Crane Foundation, E-11376 Shady Lane Road, Baraboo, WI, 53913, U.S.A
| | - Richard P Urbanek
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Necedah National Wildlife Refuge, N11385 Headquarters Road, Necedah, WI, 54646, U.S.A
| | - Sarah J Converse
- U.S. Geological Survey, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, 12100 Beech Forest Road, Laurel, MD, 20708, U.S.A
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Cooper NW, Rushing CS, Marra PP. Reducing the conservation reliance of the endangered Kirtland's warbler through adaptive management. J Wildl Manage 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.21714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nathan W. Cooper
- Migratory Bird Center, Smithsonian Conservation Biology InstituteNational Zoological Park PO Box 37012 MRC 5503 Washington DC 20013‐7012 USA
| | - Clark S. Rushing
- Utah State University, Department of Wildland Resources and the Ecology Center Logan UT 84322 USA
| | - Peter P. Marra
- Migratory Bird Center, Smithsonian Conservation Biology InstituteNational Zoological Park PO Box 37012 MRC 5503 Washington DC 20013‐7012 USA
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Carroll C, Lacy RC, Fredrickson RJ, Rohlf DJ, Hendricks SA, Phillips MK. Biological and Sociopolitical Sources of Uncertainty in Population Viability Analysis for Endangered Species Recovery Planning. Sci Rep 2019; 9:10130. [PMID: 31300735 PMCID: PMC6626004 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-45032-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Although population viability analysis (PVA) can be an important tool for strengthening endangered species recovery efforts, the extent to which such analyses remain embedded in the social process of recovery planning is often unrecognized. We analyzed two recovery plans for the Mexican wolf that were developed using similar data and methods but arrived at contrasting conclusions as to appropriate recovery goals or criteria. We found that approximately half of the contrast arose from uncertainty regarding biological data, with the remainder divided between policy-related decisions and mixed biological-policy factors. Contrasts arose from both differences in input parameter values and how parameter uncertainty informed the level of precaution embodied in resulting criteria. Policy-related uncertainty originated from contrasts in thresholds for acceptable risk and disagreement as to how to define endangered species recovery. Rather than turning to PVA to produce politically acceptable definitions of recovery that appear science-based, agencies should clarify the nexus between science and policy elements in their decision processes. The limitations we identify in endangered-species policy and how PVAs are conducted as part of recovery planning must be addressed if PVAs are to fulfill their potential to increase the odds of successful conservation outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Carroll
- Klamath Center for Conservation Research, Orleans, CA, 95556, USA.
| | - Robert C Lacy
- Species Conservation Toolkit Initiative, Chicago Zoological Society, Brookfield, IL, 60513, USA
| | | | - Daniel J Rohlf
- Earthrise Law Center, Lewis and Clark Law School, Portland, OR, 97219, USA
| | - Sarah A Hendricks
- Institute for Bioinformatics and Evolutionary Studies, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, 83844, USA
| | - Michael K Phillips
- Turner Endangered Species Fund, 901 Technology Blvd, Bozeman, Montana, 59718, USA
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Halstead BJ, Rose JP, Reyes GA, Wylie GD, Casazza ML. Conservation reliance of a threatened snake on rice agriculture. Glob Ecol Conserv 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2019.e00681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
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24
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Knight SM, Norris DR, Derbyshire R, Flockhart DT. Strategic mowing of roadside milkweeds increases monarch butterfly oviposition. Glob Ecol Conserv 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2019.e00678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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25
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26
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Metcalf OC, Ewen JG, McCready M, Williams EM, Rowcliffe JM. A novel method for using ecoacoustics to monitor post‐translocation behaviour in an endangered passerine. Methods Ecol Evol 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/2041-210x.13147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Oliver C. Metcalf
- Department of Science and EngineeringManchester Metropolitan University Manchester UK
- Department of Life SciencesImperial College London Berkshire UK
| | | | - Mhairi McCready
- ZSL Institute of Zoology London UK
- Rotokare Scenic Reserve Eltham New Zealand
| | - Emma M. Williams
- Matuku Ecology Christchurch New Zealand
- Wildlife Ecology GroupMassey University Palmerston North New Zealand
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27
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Traylor-Holzer K, Leus K, Bauman K. Integrated Collection Assessment and Planning (ICAP) workshop: Helping zoos move toward the One Plan Approach. Zoo Biol 2019; 38:95-105. [PMID: 30672035 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2018] [Revised: 12/14/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Most threatened species do not yet have an integrated conservation plan to guide zoos and aquariums in species selection and conservation action. To address this issue, the Conservation Planning Specialist Group (CPSG), in collaboration with regional zoo and aquarium associations, has developed a new process-an Integrated Collection Assessment and Planning (ICAP) workshop. This brings in situ and ex situ communities together to apply the decision process of the IUCN SSC Guidelines on the Use of Ex Situ Management for Species Conservation to the task of regional or global collection planning. The first ICAP workshop was held in 2016 for 43 canids and hyaenids in collaboration with the relevant regional zoo and aquarium associations and IUCN Specialist Groups. The ICAP process provides a comprehensive assessment that will enhance species conservation by providing guidance to zoos and aquariums on conservation priorities for collection planning, conservation education messaging, in situ field support, and integration of in situ and ex situ efforts, as well as by promoting collaboration among regional zoo and aquarium associations, field-based conservationists, and IUCN SSC Specialist Groups.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kristin Leus
- IUCN SSC Conservation Planning Specialist Group - Europe, European Association of Zoos and Aquaria, Copenhagen Zoo, Merksem, Belgium
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28
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Reproductive Viability Analysis (RVA) as a new tool for ex situ population management. Zoo Biol 2019; 38:55-66. [DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2018] [Revised: 12/14/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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29
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Gerber LR, Runge MC, Maloney RF, Iacona GD, Drew CA, Avery-Gomm S, Brazill-Boast J, Crouse D, Epanchin-Niell RS, Hall SB, Maguire LA, Male T, Morgan D, Newman J, Possingham HP, Rumpff L, Weiss KCB, Wilson RS, Zablan MA. Endangered species recovery: A resource allocation problem. Science 2018; 362:284-286. [PMID: 30337394 DOI: 10.1126/science.aat8434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Leah R Gerber
- See supplementary materials for author affiliations.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Sarah B Hall
- See supplementary materials for author affiliations
| | | | - Tim Male
- See supplementary materials for author affiliations
| | - Don Morgan
- See supplementary materials for author affiliations
| | - Jeff Newman
- See supplementary materials for author affiliations
| | | | - Libby Rumpff
- See supplementary materials for author affiliations
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30
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Akçakaya HR, Bennett EL, Brooks TM, Grace MK, Heath A, Hedges S, Hilton-Taylor C, Hoffmann M, Keith DA, Long B, Mallon DP, Meijaard E, Milner-Gulland EJ, Rodrigues ASL, Rodriguez JP, Stephenson PJ, Stuart SN, Young RP. Quantifying species recovery and conservation success to develop an IUCN Green List of Species. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2018; 32:1128-1138. [PMID: 29578251 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.13112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2017] [Revised: 02/22/2018] [Accepted: 03/08/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Stopping declines in biodiversity is critically important, but it is only a first step toward achieving more ambitious conservation goals. The absence of an objective and practical definition of species recovery that is applicable across taxonomic groups leads to inconsistent targets in recovery plans and frustrates reporting and maximization of conservation impact. We devised a framework for comprehensively assessing species recovery and conservation success. We propose a definition of a fully recovered species that emphasizes viability, ecological functionality, and representation; and use counterfactual approaches to quantify degree of recovery. This allowed us to calculate a set of 4 conservation metrics that demonstrate impacts of conservation efforts to date (conservation legacy); identify dependence of a species on conservation actions (conservation dependence); quantify expected gains resulting from conservation action in the medium term (conservation gain); and specify requirements to achieve maximum plausible recovery over the long term (recovery potential). These metrics can incentivize the establishment and achievement of ambitious conservation targets. We illustrate their use by applying the framework to a vertebrate, an invertebrate, and a woody and an herbaceous plant. Our approach is a preliminary framework for an International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Green List of Species, which was mandated by a resolution of IUCN members in 2012. Although there are several challenges in applying our proposed framework to a wide range of species, we believe its further development, implementation, and integration with the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species will help catalyze a positive and ambitious vision for conservation that will drive sustained conservation action.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Resit Akçakaya
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, U.S.A
- IUCN Species Survival Commission
| | - Elizabeth L Bennett
- Wildlife Conservation Society, 2300 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, NY, 10460, U.S.A
| | - Thomas M Brooks
- International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), CH-1196 Gland, Switzerland
- World Agroforestry Center (ICRAF), University of the Philippines, Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines
- Institute for Marine & Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
| | - Molly K Grace
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, OX2 6BW, U.K
| | - Anna Heath
- Synchronicity Earth, 32a Thurloe Place, London, SW7 2HQ, U.K
| | - Simon Hedges
- Wildlife Conservation Society, 2300 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, NY, 10460, U.S.A
- IUCN SSC Asian Elephant and Asian Wild Cattle Specialist Group
| | | | - Michael Hoffmann
- IUCN Species Survival Commission
- Conservation Programmes, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London, NW1 4RY, U.K
| | - David A Keith
- IUCN Species Survival Commission
- Centre for Ecosystem Sciences, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- NSW Office of Environment and Heritage, 43 Bridge Street, Hurstville, NSW 2220, Australia
| | - Barney Long
- Global Wildlife Conservation, 1250 24th St NW, Washington, D.C., 20037, U.S.A
| | - David P Mallon
- Division of Biology and Conservation Ecology, Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester, M1 5GD, U.K
- IUCN SSC Antelope Specialist Group
| | - Erik Meijaard
- IUCN SSC Wild Pig Specialist Group
- Center of Excellence for Environmental Decision, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - E J Milner-Gulland
- Department of Zoology and Merton College, University of Oxford, OX2 6BW, U.K
| | - Ana S L Rodrigues
- Centre d'Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Evolutive, CNRS-CEFE UMR5175, Montpellier, France
| | - Jon Paul Rodriguez
- IUCN Species Survival Commission
- Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas, and Provita, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - P J Stephenson
- International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), CH-1196 Gland, Switzerland
- Department of Environmental Systems Science, Ecosystem Management Group, ETH Zürich, 8092, Zürich, Switzerland
- IUCN SSC Species Monitoring Specialist Group
| | - Simon N Stuart
- IUCN Species Survival Commission
- Synchronicity Earth, 32a Thurloe Place, London, SW7 2HQ, U.K
| | - Richard P Young
- Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, Trinity JE3 5BP, Jersey, Channel Islands, U.K
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31
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Milt AW, Diebel MW, Doran PJ, Ferris MC, Herbert M, Khoury ML, Moody AT, Neeson TM, Ross J, Treska T, O'Hanley JR, Walter L, Wangen SR, Yacobson E, McIntyre PB. Minimizing opportunity costs to aquatic connectivity restoration while controlling an invasive species. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2018; 32:894-904. [PMID: 29813172 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.13105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2017] [Accepted: 03/02/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Controlling invasive species is critical for conservation but can have unintended consequences for native species and divert resources away from other efforts. This dilemma occurs on a grand scale in the North American Great Lakes, where dams and culverts block tributary access to habitat of desirable fish species and are a lynchpin of long-standing efforts to limit ecological damage inflicted by the invasive, parasitic sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus). Habitat restoration and sea-lamprey control create conflicting goals for managing aging infrastructure. We used optimization to minimize opportunity costs of habitat gains for 37 desirable migratory fishes that arose from restricting sea lamprey access (0-25% increase) when selecting barriers for removal under a limited budget (US$1-105 million). Imposing limits on sea lamprey habitat reduced gains in tributary access for desirable species by 15-50% relative to an unconstrained scenario. Additional investment to offset the effect of limiting sea-lamprey access resulted in high opportunity costs for 30 of 37 species (e.g., an additional US$20-80 million for lake sturgeon [Acipenser fulvescens]) and often required ≥5% increase in sea-lamprey access to identify barrier-removal solutions adhering to the budget and limiting access. Narrowly distributed species exhibited the highest opportunity costs but benefited more at less cost when small increases in sea-lamprey access were allowed. Our results illustrate the value of optimization in limiting opportunity costs when balancing invasion control against restoration benefits for diverse desirable species. Such trade-off analyses are essential to the restoration of connectivity within fragmented rivers without unleashing invaders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Austin W Milt
- Center for Limnology, University of Wisconsin - Madison, 680 N Park Street, Madison, WI 53706, U.S.A
| | - Matthew W Diebel
- Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, 101 S Webster Street, P.O. Box 7921, Madison, WI 53707-7921, U.S.A
| | - Patrick J Doran
- The Nature Conservancy, 101 E César E. Chàvez Avenue, Lansing, MI 48906, U.S.A
| | - Michael C Ferris
- Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, 330 N. Orchard Street, Madison, WI 53715, U.S.A
| | - Matthew Herbert
- The Nature Conservancy, 101 E César E. Chàvez Avenue, Lansing, MI 48906, U.S.A
| | - Mary L Khoury
- The Nature Conservancy, 101 E César E. Chàvez Avenue, Lansing, MI 48906, U.S.A
| | - Allison T Moody
- Center for Limnology, University of Wisconsin - Madison, 680 N Park Street, Madison, WI 53706, U.S.A
| | - Thomas M Neeson
- Department of Geography and Environmental Sustainability, The University of Oklahoma, 100 East Boyd Street, Norman, OK 73019, U.S.A
| | - Jared Ross
- The Nature Conservancy, 101 E César E. Chàvez Avenue, Lansing, MI 48906, U.S.A
| | - Ted Treska
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on detail to Great Lakes Fishery Commission, 2100 Commonwealth Boulevard, Suite 100, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, U.S.A
| | - Jesse R O'Hanley
- Kent Business School, Sibson, Parkwood Road, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7FS, U.K
| | - Lisa Walter
- Great Lakes Fishery Commission, 2100 Commonwealth Boulevard, Suite 100, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, U.S.A
| | - Steven R Wangen
- Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, 330 N. Orchard Street, Madison, WI 53715, U.S.A
| | - Eugene Yacobson
- The Nature Conservancy, 101 E César E. Chàvez Avenue, Lansing, MI 48906, U.S.A
| | - Peter B McIntyre
- Center for Limnology, University of Wisconsin - Madison, 680 N Park Street, Madison, WI 53706, U.S.A
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32
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Alexander JS, Jorgensen JG, Brown MB. Reproductive ecology of interior least tern and piping plover in relation to Platte River hydrology and sandbar dynamics. Ecol Evol 2018; 8:5674-5679. [PMID: 29938083 PMCID: PMC6010787 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.4109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In a recent study, Farnsworth et al. (2017) used distributions of nest initiation dates drawn mostly from human‐created, off‐channel habitats and a model of emergent sandbar habitat to evaluate the hypothesis that least terns (Sternula antillarum) and piping plovers (Charadrius melodus) are physiologically adapted to initiate nests concurrent with the cessation of spring river flow rises on two sections of the Platte River, Nebraska. The study by Farnsworth et al. (2017) has several shortcomings which bring into question the authors’ principal assertion that interior least tern and piping plovers are not adapted to occupying and nesting on river sandbars on the Platte River system. We identify these shortcomings and provide information, which, we suggest, would change their conclusions if incorporated.
![]() Linked Article: https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.4097
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason S Alexander
- Department of Geology and Geophysics University of Wyoming Laramie Wyoming
| | - Joel G Jorgensen
- Nongame Bird Program Nebraska Game and Parks Commission Lincoln Nebraska
| | - Mary Bomberger Brown
- Tern and Plover Conservation Partnership University of Nebraska Lincoln Nebraska
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33
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Doherty KE, Hennig JD, Dinkins JB, Griffin KA, Cook AA, Maestas JD, Naugle DE, Beck JL. Understanding biological effectiveness before scaling up range-wide restoration investments for Gunnison sage-grouse. Ecosphere 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.2144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jacob D. Hennig
- Department of Ecosystem Science and Management; University of Wyoming; Laramie Wyoming 82071 USA
| | - Jonathan B. Dinkins
- Department of Animal and Rangeland Sciences; Oregon State University; Corvallis Oregon 97331 USA
| | | | - Avery A. Cook
- Utah Division of Wildlife Resources; Salt Lake City Utah 84116 USA
| | - Jeremy D. Maestas
- Natural Resources Conservation Service; West National Technology Support Center; Portland Oregon 97232 USA
| | - David E. Naugle
- Wildlife Biology Program; University of Montana; Missoula Montana 59812 USA
| | - Jeffrey L. Beck
- Department of Ecosystem Science and Management; University of Wyoming; Laramie Wyoming 82071 USA
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Hobbs RJ, Valentine LE, Standish RJ, Jackson ST. Movers and Stayers: Novel Assemblages in Changing Environments. Trends Ecol Evol 2017; 33:116-128. [PMID: 29173900 DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2017.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2017] [Revised: 10/07/2017] [Accepted: 11/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Increased attention to species movement in response to environmental change highlights the need to consider changes in species distributions and altered biological assemblages. Such changes are well known from paleoecological studies, but have accelerated with ongoing pervasive human influence. In addition to species that move, some species will stay put, leading to an array of novel interactions. Species show a variety of responses that can allow movement or persistence. Conservation and restoration actions have traditionally focused on maintaining or returning species in particular places, but increasingly also include interventions that facilitate movement. Approaches are required that incorporate the fluidity of biotic assemblages into the goals set and interventions deployed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Hobbs
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia.
| | - Leonie E Valentine
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Rachel J Standish
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia
| | - Stephen T Jackson
- U.S. Geological Survey, DOI Southwest Climate Science Center, 1064 E. Lowell Street, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA; Department of Geosciences and School of Natural Resources and Environment, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
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35
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Gilbert T, Soorae PS. Editorial: The Role of Zoos and Aquariums in Reintroductions and Other Conservation Translocations. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/izy.12164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Tania Gilbert
- Marwell Wildlife; Colden Common; Winchester SO21 1JH United Kingdom
| | - Pritpal S. Soorae
- IUCN SSC Reintroduction Specialist Group; PO Box 45553 Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates
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36
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Waples RS, Elz A, Arnsberg BD, Faulkner JR, Hard JJ, Timmins-Schiffman E, Park LK. Human-mediated evolution in a threatened species? Juvenile life-history changes in Snake River salmon. Evol Appl 2017; 10:667-681. [PMID: 28717387 PMCID: PMC5511361 DOI: 10.1111/eva.12468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2016] [Accepted: 02/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Evaluations of human impacts on Earth's ecosystems often ignore evolutionary changes in response to altered selective regimes. Freshwater habitats for Snake River fall Chinook salmon (SRFCS), a threatened species in the US, have been dramatically changed by hydropower development and other watershed modifications. Associated biological changes include a shift in juvenile life history: Historically essentially 100% of juveniles migrated to sea as subyearlings, but a substantial fraction have migrated as yearlings in recent years. In contemplating future management actions for this species should major Snake River dams ever be removed (as many have proposed), it will be important to understand whether evolution is at least partially responsible for this life-history change. We hypothesized that if this trait is genetically based, parents who migrated to sea as subyearlings should produce faster-growing offspring that would be more likely to reach a size threshold to migrate to sea in their first year. We tested this with phenotypic data for over 2,600 juvenile SRFCS that were genetically matched to parents of hatchery and natural origin. Three lines of evidence supported our hypothesis: (i) the animal model estimated substantial heritability for juvenile growth rate for three consecutive cohorts; (ii) linear modeling showed an association between juvenile life history of parents and offspring growth rate; and (iii) faster-growing juveniles migrated at greater speeds, as expected if they were more likely to be heading to sea. Surprisingly, we also found that parents reared a full year in a hatchery produced the fastest growing offspring of all-apparently an example of cross-generational plasticity associated with artificial propagation. We suggest that SRFCS is an example of a potentially large class of species that can be considered to be "anthro-evolutionary"-signifying those whose evolutionary trajectories have been profoundly shaped by altered selective regimes in human-dominated landscapes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin S Waples
- Northwest Fisheries Science Center National Marine Fisheries Service National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Seattle WA USA
| | - Anna Elz
- Northwest Fisheries Science Center National Marine Fisheries Service National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Seattle WA USA
| | - Billy D Arnsberg
- Department of Fisheries Resources Management Nez Perce Tribe Lapwai ID USA
| | - James R Faulkner
- Northwest Fisheries Science Center National Marine Fisheries Service National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Seattle WA USA
| | - Jeffrey J Hard
- Northwest Fisheries Science Center National Marine Fisheries Service National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Seattle WA USA
| | - Emma Timmins-Schiffman
- Northwest Fisheries Science Center National Marine Fisheries Service National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Seattle WA USA.,Department of Genome Sciences University of Washington Seattle WA USA
| | - Linda K Park
- Northwest Fisheries Science Center National Marine Fisheries Service National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Seattle WA USA
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Robinson JL, Fordyce JA. Species-free species distribution models describe macroecological properties of protected area networks. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0173443. [PMID: 28301488 PMCID: PMC5354291 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0173443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2016] [Accepted: 02/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Among the greatest challenges facing the conservation of plants and animal species in protected areas are threats from a rapidly changing climate. An altered climate creates both challenges and opportunities for improving the management of protected areas in networks. Increasingly, quantitative tools like species distribution modeling are used to assess the performance of protected areas and predict potential responses to changing climates for groups of species, within a predictive framework. At larger geographic domains and scales, protected area network units have spatial geoclimatic properties that can be described in the gap analysis typically used to measure or aggregate the geographic distributions of species (stacked species distribution models, or S-SDM). We extend the use of species distribution modeling techniques in order to model the climate envelope (or “footprint”) of individual protected areas within a network of protected areas distributed across the 48 conterminous United States and managed by the US National Park System. In our approach we treat each protected area as the geographic range of a hypothetical endemic species, then use MaxEnt and 5 uncorrelated BioClim variables to model the geographic distribution of the climatic envelope associated with each protected area unit (modeling the geographic area of park units as the range of a species). We describe the individual and aggregated climate envelopes predicted by a large network of 163 protected areas and briefly illustrate how macroecological measures of geodiversity can be derived from our analysis of the landscape ecological context of protected areas. To estimate trajectories of change in the temporal distribution of climatic features within a protected area network, we projected the climate envelopes of protected areas in current conditions onto a dataset of predicted future climatic conditions. Our results suggest that the climate envelopes of some parks may be locally unique or have narrow geographic distributions, and are thus prone to future shifts away from the climatic conditions in these parks in current climates. In other cases, some parks are broadly similar to large geographic regions surrounding the park or have climatic envelopes that may persist into near-term climate change. Larger parks predict larger climatic envelopes, in current conditions, but on average the predicted area of climate envelopes are smaller in our single future conditions scenario. Individual units in a protected area network may vary in the potential for climate adaptation, and adaptive management strategies for the network should account for the landscape contexts of the geodiversity or climate diversity within individual units. Conservation strategies, including maintaining connectivity, assessing the feasibility of assisted migration and other landscape restoration or enhancements can be optimized using analysis methods to assess the spatial properties of protected area networks in biogeographic and macroecological contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason L. Robinson
- Illinois Natural History Survey, Prairie Research Institute, University of Illinois, Urbana- Champaign. Champaign IL, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - James A. Fordyce
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, United States of America
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38
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Cantrell B, Martin LJ, Ellis EC. Designing Autonomy: Opportunities for New Wildness in the Anthropocene. Trends Ecol Evol 2017; 32:156-166. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2016.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2016] [Revised: 12/09/2016] [Accepted: 12/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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39
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Mills LS. Some matchmaking advice when translocated immigrants are a population's last hope. Anim Conserv 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/acv.12333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- L. Scott Mills
- Wildlife Biology Program and Office of Research and Creative Scholarship
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Mussmann SM, Douglas MR, Anthonysamy WJB, Davis MA, Simpson SA, Louis W, Douglas ME. Genetic rescue, the greater prairie chicken and the problem of conservation reliance in the Anthropocene. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2017; 4:160736. [PMID: 28386428 PMCID: PMC5367285 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.160736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2016] [Accepted: 01/25/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
A central question in conservation is how best to manage biodiversity, despite human domination of global processes (= Anthropocene). Common responses (i.e. translocations, genetic rescue) forestall potential extirpations, yet have an uncertain duration. A textbook example is the greater prairie chicken (GRPC: Tympanuchus cupido pinnatus), where translocations (1992-1998) seemingly rescued genetically depauperate Illinois populations. We re-evaluated this situation after two decades by genotyping 21 microsatellite loci from 1831 shed feathers across six leks in two counties over 4 years (2010-2013). Low migration rates (less than 1%) established each county as demographically independent, but with declining-population estimates (4 year average N = 79). Leks were genetically similar and significantly bottlenecked, with low effective population sizes (average Ne = 13.1; 4 year Ne/N = 0.166). Genetic structure was defined by 12 significantly different family groups, with relatedness r = 0.31 > half-sib r = 0.25. Average heterozygosity, indicating short-term survival, did not differ among contemporary, pre- and post-translocated populations, whereas allelic diversity did. Our results, the natural history of GRPC (i.e. few leks, male dominance hierarchies) and its controlled immigration suggest demographic expansion rather than genetic rescue. Legal protection under the endangered species act (ESA) may enhance recovery, but could exacerbate political-economic concerns on how best to manage 'conservation-reliant' species, for which GRPC is now an exemplar.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. M. Mussmann
- Biological Sciences, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, USA
- Illinois Natural History Survey, University of Illinois, Champaign, IL, USA
| | - M. R. Douglas
- Biological Sciences, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, USA
| | | | - M. A. Davis
- Illinois Natural History Survey, University of Illinois, Champaign, IL, USA
| | - S. A. Simpson
- Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Prairie Ridge State Natural Area, Newton, IL, USA
| | - W. Louis
- Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Gibson City, IL, USA
| | - M. E. Douglas
- Biological Sciences, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, USA
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Rice MB, Apa AD, Wiechman LA. The importance of seasonal resource selection when managing a threatened species: targeting conservation actions within critical habitat designations for the Gunnison sage-grouse. WILDLIFE RESEARCH 2017. [DOI: 10.1071/wr17027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Context The ability to identify priority habitat is critical for species of conservation concern. The designation of critical habitat under the US Endangered Species Act 1973 identifies areas occupied by the species that are important for conservation and may need special management or protection. However, relatively few species’ critical habitats designations incorporate habitat suitability models or seasonal specificity, even when that information exists. Gunnison sage-grouse (GUSG) have declined substantially from their historical range and were listed as threatened by the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) in November 2014. GUSG are distributed into eight isolated populations in Colorado and Utah, and one population, the Gunnison Basin (GB), has been the focus of much research. Aims To provide season-specific resource selection models to improve targeted conservation actions within the designated critical habitat in the GB. Methods We utilised radio-telemetry data from GUSG captured and monitored from 2004 to 2010. We were able to estimate resource selection models for the breeding (1 April–15 July) and summer (16 July–30 September) seasons in the GB using vegetation, topographical and anthropogenic variables. We compared the seasonal models with the existing critical habitat to investigate whether the more specific seasonal models helped identify priority habitat for GUSG. Key results The predictive surface for the breeding model indicated higher use of large areas of sagebrush, whereas the predictive surface for the summer model predicted use of more diverse habitats. The breeding and summer models (combined) matched the current critical habitat designation 68.5% of the time. We found that although the overall habitat was similar between the critical habitat designation and our combined models, the pattern and configuration of the habitat were very different. Conclusions These models highlight areas with favourable environmental variables and spatial juxtaposition to establish priority habitat within the critical habitat designated by USFWS. More seasonally specific resource selection models will assist in identifying specific areas within the critical habitat designation to concentrate habitat improvements, conservation and restoration within the GB. Implications This information can be used to provide insight into the patterns of seasonal habitat selection and can identify priority GUSG habitat to incorporate into critical habitat designation for targeted management actions.
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Hinton JW, White GC, Rabon DR, Chamberlain MJ. Survival and population size estimates of the red wolf. J Wildl Manage 2016. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.21206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph W. Hinton
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources; University of Georgia; 180 E. Green Street Athens GA 30605 USA
| | - Gary C. White
- Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology; Colorado State University; Fort Collins CO 80523 USA
| | - David R. Rabon
- Endangered Wolf Center; P.O. Box 760 Eureka MO 63025 USA
| | - Michael J. Chamberlain
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources; University of Georgia; 180 E. Green Street Athens GA 30605 USA
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Fraser IDL, Wilcken J, Gibson C, Gibson R, Ireland B, Buley K. Rotoroa Island: building a designed ecosystem for conservation education, training and visitor engagement. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/izy.12145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- I. D. L. Fraser
- Auckland Zoo; Private Bag 78700 Grey Lynn Auckland 1245 New Zealand
| | - J. Wilcken
- Auckland Zoo; Private Bag 78700 Grey Lynn Auckland 1245 New Zealand
| | - C. Gibson
- Auckland Zoo; Private Bag 78700 Grey Lynn Auckland 1245 New Zealand
| | - R. Gibson
- Auckland Zoo; Private Bag 78700 Grey Lynn Auckland 1245 New Zealand
| | - B. Ireland
- Auckland Zoo; Private Bag 78700 Grey Lynn Auckland 1245 New Zealand
| | - K. Buley
- Auckland Zoo; Private Bag 78700 Grey Lynn Auckland 1245 New Zealand
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Hiers JK, Jackson ST, Hobbs RJ, Bernhardt ES, Valentine LE. The Precision Problem in Conservation and Restoration. Trends Ecol Evol 2016; 31:820-830. [PMID: 27622815 DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2016.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2015] [Revised: 08/14/2016] [Accepted: 08/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Within the varied contexts of environmental policy, conservation of imperilled species populations, and restoration of damaged habitats, an emphasis on idealized optimal conditions has led to increasingly specific targets for management. Overly-precise conservation targets can reduce habitat variability at multiple scales, with unintended consequences for future ecological resilience. We describe this dilemma in the context of endangered species management, stream restoration, and climate-change adaptation. Inappropriate application of conservation targets can be expensive, with marginal conservation benefit. Reduced habitat variability can limit options for managers trying to balance competing objectives with limited resources. Conservation policies should embrace habitat variability, expand decision-space appropriately, and support adaptation to local circumstances to increase ecological resilience in a rapidly changing world.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Kevin Hiers
- Wildland Fire Science Program, Tall Timbers Research Station, Tallahassee, FL 32312, USA.
| | - Stephen T Jackson
- Department of the Interior Southwest Climate Science Center, US Geological Survey, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA; Department of Geosciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Richard J Hobbs
- School of Plant Biology, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| | | | - Leonie E Valentine
- School of Plant Biology, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
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Bohling JH, Dellinger J, McVey JM, Cobb DT, Moorman CE, Waits LP. Describing a developing hybrid zone between red wolves and coyotes in eastern North Carolina, USA. Evol Appl 2016; 9:791-804. [PMID: 27330555 PMCID: PMC4908465 DOI: 10.1111/eva.12388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2016] [Accepted: 04/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
When hybridizing species come into contact, understanding the processes that regulate their interactions can help predict the future outcome of the system. This is especially relevant in conservation situations where human activities can influence hybridization dynamics. We investigated a developing hybrid zone between red wolves and coyotes in North Carolina, USA to elucidate patterns of hybridization in a system heavily managed for preservation of the red wolf genome. Using noninvasive genetic sampling of scat, we surveyed a 2880 km2 region adjacent to the Red Wolf Experimental Population Area (RWEPA). We combined microsatellite genotypes collected from this survey with those from companion studies conducted both within and outside the RWEPA to describe the gradient of red wolf ancestry. A total of 311 individuals were genotyped at 17 loci and red wolf ancestry decreased along an east–west gradient across the RWEPA. No red wolves were found outside the RWEPA, yet half of individuals found within this area were coyotes. Hybrids composed only 4% of individuals within this landscape despite co‐occurrence of the two species throughout the RWEPA. The low proportion of hybrids suggests that a combination of active management and natural isolating mechanisms may be limiting intermixing within this hybrid system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin H Bohling
- Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources University of Idaho Moscow ID USA
| | - Justin Dellinger
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences University of Washington Seattle WA USA
| | - Justin M McVey
- Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources North Carolina State University Raleigh NC USA
| | - David T Cobb
- North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission Raleigh NC USA
| | - Christopher E Moorman
- Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources North Carolina State University Raleigh NC USA
| | - Lisette P Waits
- Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources University of Idaho Moscow ID USA
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Catlin DH, Zeigler SL, Brown MB, Dinan LR, Fraser JD, Hunt KL, Jorgensen JG. Metapopulation viability of an endangered shorebird depends on dispersal and human-created habitats: piping plovers (Charadrius melodus) and prairie rivers. MOVEMENT ECOLOGY 2016; 4:6. [PMID: 26981249 PMCID: PMC4791857 DOI: 10.1186/s40462-016-0072-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2015] [Accepted: 02/15/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many species are distributed as metapopulations in dynamic landscapes, where habitats change through space and time. Individuals locate habitat through dispersal, and the relationship between a species and landscape characteristics can have profound effects on population persistence. Despite the importance of connectivity in dynamic environments, few empirical studies have examined temporal variability in dispersal or its effect on metapopulation dynamics. In response to this knowledge gap, we studied the dispersal, demography, and viability of a metapopulation of an endangered, disturbance-dependent shorebird. We examined three subpopulations of piping plovers (Charadrius melodus) on the lower Platte and Missouri rivers from 2008-2013. High flow events from an upstream dam on the Missouri River in 2010 and 2011 allowed us to assess the effect of total habitat loss and the subsequent creation of new habitat associated with a large disturbance at one 'natural' study location. The other two sites within the metapopulation, which were maintained by anthropogenic activities (e.g., mining, development, habitat restoration), were largely unaffected by this disturbance, resulting in a controlled natural experiment. RESULTS High flow events were associated with increased emigration, decreased immigration, and decreased survival in the subpopulation that experienced high flows. Following the high flow event, immigration into that subpopulation increased. Dispersal rates among subpopulations were negatively correlated with distance. The metapopulation had a low probability of extinction over 100 years (0 %) under the current disturbance interval and associated dispersal and survival rates. However, persistence depended on relatively stable, human-created habitats, not the dynamic, natural habitat (47.7 % extinction probability for this subpopulation). CONCLUSIONS We found that functional connectivity, as measured by the rate of dispersal among subpopulations, increased as a result of the high flow event in our study metapopulation. Plovers also increased reproductive output following this event. Although the study metapopulation had a low overall probability of extinction, metapopulation persistence depended on anthropogenically created habitats that provided a small but stable source of nesting habitat and dispersers through time. However, all subpopulations remained small, even if persistent, making them individually vulnerable to extinction through stochastic events. Given the highly dynamic nature of habitat availability in this system, maintaining several subpopulations within the metapopulation and stable sources of habitat will be critical, and this species will likely remain conservation-reliant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel H. Catlin
- />Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061 USA
| | - Sara L. Zeigler
- />U.S. Geological Survey, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center, Woods Hole, MA 02543 USA
| | | | - Lauren R. Dinan
- />Nongame Bird Program, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Lincoln, NE 68503 USA
| | - James D. Fraser
- />Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061 USA
| | - Kelsi L. Hunt
- />Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061 USA
| | - Joel G. Jorgensen
- />Nongame Bird Program, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Lincoln, NE 68503 USA
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Decline of the Endangered Morro Bay Kangaroo Rat in California. JOURNAL OF FISH AND WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT 2016. [DOI: 10.3996/102014-jfwm-078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
The Morro Bay kangaroo rat Dipodomys heermanni morroensis occurs in the vicinity of Morro Bay (specifically in and near Los Osos) in western San Luis Obispo County in coastal central California. It was listed as endangered pursuant to the U.S. Endangered Species Conservation Act in 1970 and subsequently the U.S. Endangered Species Act in 1973. Field research from the late 1950s to the mid-1980s has documented a rapid population decline. Despite many efforts, researchers have not captured the Morro Bay kangaroo rat since 1986, and the last captive individual died in 1993. We review the biology and conservation status of the Morro Bay kangaroo rat, including taxonomy and genetics, soil type and burrows, history of decline, primary causes of decline, breeding in the wild and in captivity, habitat restoration, and threats. In particular, there are two primary causes of decline. First, development (urban, agricultural, and industrial) has resulted in direct loss of habitat. Second, in the absence of fire, the early seral stages of coastal dune scrub (optimal habitat) have matured to later successional stages of vegetation, which are denser and with substantially fewer annual food plants, and which negatively impact the locomotion of kangaroo rats and change the diversity of the small mammal community with a likely increase in competition. In 2016 only pockets of habitat remain, with optimal habitat comprising an estimated 1% of the historical geographic range. Although researchers have not demonstrated predation by domestic cats, it is likely a major threat and we suspect it has contributed to the decline based upon a review of the literature. In 2011 we observed potential signs of the Morro Bay kangaroo rat at two historical areas, which suggests it may be persisting at extremely low densities in a few isolated colonies. In addition, we could not obtain permission to survey on four private properties with potential habitat. In consideration of the vast loss and fragmentation of its habitat, along with the continuing and pervasive threats, the Morro Bay kangaroo rat is clearly conservation-reliant. We believe that without urgent human intervention, the Morro Bay kangaroo rat will soon become extinct if it is not already.
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Fleishman E. Personal and organizational perspectives on the biological and legal legacy of DDT. Ecology 2016. [DOI: 10.1002/ecy.1317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Erica Fleishman
- John Muir Institute of the Environment; University of California; The Barn, One Shields Ave. Davis California 95616 USA
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Ragland CJ, Bernacchi LA, Peterson TR. The role of social capital in endangered species management: A valuable resource. WILDLIFE SOC B 2015. [DOI: 10.1002/wsb.602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Chara J. Ragland
- Wildlife and Conservation Policy Research Group, Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences; Texas A&M University; College Station TX 77843 USA
| | - Leigh A. Bernacchi
- Regional Approaches to Climate Change in Pacific Northwest Agriculture, Department of Plant, Soil and Entomological Sciences; University of Idaho; 875 Perimeter Drive Moscow ID 83844 USA
| | - Tarla Rai Peterson
- Wildlife and Conservation Policy Research Group, Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences; Texas A&M University; College Station TX 77843 USA
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50
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Apa AD, Wiechman LA. Captive-breeding of captive and wild-reared Gunnison sage-grouse. Zoo Biol 2015; 35:70-5. [DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2014] [Revised: 10/05/2015] [Accepted: 10/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Lief A. Wiechman
- Department of Fish, Wildlife and Conservation Biology; Colorado State University; Fort Collins CO
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