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Milligan BG, Rohde AT. Why More Biologists Must Embrace Quantitative Modeling. Integr Comp Biol 2024; 64:975-986. [PMID: 38740442 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icae038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Biology as a field has transformed since the time of its foundation from an organized enterprise cataloging the diversity of the natural world to a quantitatively rigorous science seeking to answer complex questions about the functions of organisms and their interactions with each other and their environments. As the mathematical rigor of biological analyses has improved, quantitative models have been developed to describe multi-mechanistic systems and to test complex hypotheses. However, applications of quantitative models have been uneven across fields, and many biologists lack the foundational training necessary to apply them in their research or to interpret their results to inform biological problem-solving efforts. This gap in scientific training has created a false dichotomy of "biologists" and "modelers" that only exacerbates the barriers to working biologists seeking additional training in quantitative modeling. Here, we make the argument that all biologists are modelers and are capable of using sophisticated quantitative modeling in their work. We highlight four benefits of conducting biological research within the framework of quantitative models, identify the potential producers and consumers of information produced by such models, and make recommendations for strategies to overcome barriers to their widespread implementation. Improved understanding of quantitative modeling could guide the producers of biological information to better apply biological measurements through analyses that evaluate mechanisms, and allow consumers of biological information to better judge the quality and applications of the information they receive. As our explanations of biological phenomena increase in complexity, so too must we embrace modeling as a foundational skill.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brook G Milligan
- Department of Biology, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM 88001, USA
| | - Ashley T Rohde
- Department of Biology, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM 88001, USA
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2
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Adams AJ, Kamoroff C, Daniele NR, Grasso RL, Halstead BJ, Kleeman PM, Mengelt C, Powelson K, Seaborn T, Goldberg CS. From eDNA to decisions using a multi-method approach to restoration planning in streams. Sci Rep 2024; 14:14335. [PMID: 38906892 PMCID: PMC11192730 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-64612-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Reintroduction efforts are increasingly used to mitigate biodiversity losses, but are frequently challenged by inadequate planning and uncertainty. High quality information about population status and threats can be used to prioritize reintroduction and restoration efforts and can transform ad hoc approaches into opportunities for improving conservation outcomes at a landscape scale. We conducted comprehensive environmental DNA (eDNA) and visual encounter surveys to determine the distribution of native and non-native aquatic species in two high-priority watersheds to address key uncertainties-such as the distribution of threats and the status of existing populations-inherent in restoration planning. We then used these occurrence data to develop a menu of potential conservation actions and a decision framework to benefit an endangered vertebrate (foothill yellow-legged frog, Rana boylii) in dynamic stream systems. Our framework combines the strengths of multiple methods, allowing managers and conservation scientists to incorporate conservation science and site-specific knowledge into the planning process to increase the likelihood of achieving conservation goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- A J Adams
- School of the Environment, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA.
- Earth Research Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, 93106, USA.
| | - C Kamoroff
- Resource Management and Science, Yosemite National Park, El Portal, CA, 95318, USA
- Stillwater Sciences, Davis, CA, 95618, USA
| | - N R Daniele
- Resource Management and Science, Yosemite National Park, El Portal, CA, 95318, USA
| | - R L Grasso
- Resource Management and Science, Yosemite National Park, El Portal, CA, 95318, USA
| | - B J Halstead
- Western Ecological Research Center, Dixon Field Station, U.S. Geological Survey, Dixon, CA, 95620, USA
| | - P M Kleeman
- Western Ecological Research Center, Point Reyes Field Station, U.S. Geological Survey, Point Reyes Station, CA, 94956, USA
| | - C Mengelt
- Ecosystems Mission Area, U.S. Geological Survey, Modoc Hall, Sacramento, CA, 95819, USA
| | - K Powelson
- Tahoe National Forest, U.S. Forest Service, Nevada City, CA, 94949, USA
| | - T Seaborn
- School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA
- School of Natural Resource Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, 58047, USA
| | - C S Goldberg
- School of the Environment, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA
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3
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Gerber LR, Iacona GD. Aligning data with decisions to address the biodiversity crisis. PLoS Biol 2024; 22:e3002683. [PMID: 38861586 PMCID: PMC11166288 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The planetary outlook for biodiversity is dire. A new collection of articles discusses the disconnect between the data we have and the data we need for more effective action on conservation, as well as how social justice and end-user viewpoints must be centered to ensure a more sustainable future for our planet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah R. Gerber
- Center for Biodiversity Outcomes and School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Gwenllian D. Iacona
- Center for Biodiversity Outcomes and School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, United States of America
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Malpeli KC, Endyke SC, Weiskopf SR, Thompson LM, Johnson CG, Kurth KA, Carlin MA. Existing evidence on the effects of climate variability and climate change on ungulates in North America: a systematic map. ENVIRONMENTAL EVIDENCE 2024; 13:8. [PMID: 39294746 PMCID: PMC11378825 DOI: 10.1186/s13750-024-00331-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 09/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Climate is an important driver of ungulate life-histories, population dynamics, and migratory behaviors. Climate conditions can directly impact ungulates via changes in the costs of thermoregulation and locomotion, or indirectly, via changes in habitat and forage availability, predation, and species interactions. Many studies have documented the effects of climate variability and climate change on North America's ungulates, recording impacts to population demographics, physiology, foraging behavior, migratory patterns, and more. However, ungulate responses are not uniform and vary by species and geography. Here, we present a systematic map describing the abundance and distribution of evidence on the effects of climate variability and climate change on native ungulates in North America. METHODS We searched for all evidence documenting or projecting how climate variability and climate change affect the 15 ungulate species native to the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Greenland. We searched Web of Science, Scopus, and the websites of 62 wildlife management agencies to identify relevant academic and grey literature. We screened English-language documents for inclusion at both the title and abstract and full-text levels. Data from all articles that passed full-text review were extracted and coded in a database. We identified knowledge clusters and gaps related to the species, locations, climate variables, and outcome variables measured in the literature. REVIEW FINDINGS We identified a total of 674 relevant articles published from 1947 until September 2020. Caribou (Rangifer tarandus), elk (Cervus canadensis), and white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) were the most frequently studied species. Geographically, more research has been conducted in the western U.S. and western Canada, though a notable concentration of research is also located in the Great Lakes region. Nearly 75% more articles examined the effects of precipitation on ungulates compared to temperature, with variables related to snow being the most commonly measured climate variables. Most studies examined the effects of climate on ungulate population demographics, habitat and forage, and physiology and condition, with far fewer examining the effects on disturbances, migratory behavior, and seasonal range and corridor habitat. CONCLUSIONS The effects of climate change, and its interactions with stressors such as land-use change, predation, and disease, is of increasing concern to wildlife managers. With its broad scope, this systematic map can help ungulate managers identify relevant climate impacts and prepare for future changes to the populations they manage. Decisions regarding population control measures, supplemental feeding, translocation, and the application of habitat treatments are just some of the management decisions that can be informed by an improved understanding of climate impacts. This systematic map also identified several gaps in the literature that would benefit from additional research, including climate effects on ungulate migratory patterns, on species that are relatively understudied yet known to be sensitive to changes in climate, such as pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) and mountain goats (Oreamnos americanus), and on ungulates in the eastern U.S. and Mexico.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine C Malpeli
- U.S. Geological Survey, National Climate Adaptation Science Center, Reston, USA.
| | - Sarah C Endyke
- Appalachian Laboratory, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, College Park, USA
| | - Sarah R Weiskopf
- U.S. Geological Survey, National Climate Adaptation Science Center, Reston, USA
| | - Laura M Thompson
- U.S. Geological Survey, National Climate Adaptation Science Center, Reston, USA
- School of Natural Resources, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, USA
| | - Ciara G Johnson
- Department of Environmental Science & Policy, George Mason University, Fairfax, USA
| | - Katherine A Kurth
- U.S. Geological Survey, National Climate Adaptation Science Center, Reston, USA
| | - Maxfield A Carlin
- U.S. Geological Survey, National Climate Adaptation Science Center, Reston, USA
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Decker DJ, Pomeranz EF, Forstchen AB, Riley SJ, Lederle PE, Schiavone MV, Baumer MS, Smith CA, Frohlich RK, Benedict R, King R. Taking time to think: The tyranny of being “too busy” and the practice of wildlife management. FRONTIERS IN CONSERVATION SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fcosc.2022.998033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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Martin ME, Delheimer MS, Moriarty KM, Early DA, Hamm KA, Pauli JN, Mcdonald TL, Manley PN. Conservation of rare and cryptic species: Challenges of uncertainty and opportunities for progress. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.12809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Marie E. Martin
- Oregon State University, Institute for Natural Resources Portland Oregon USA
| | - Matthew S. Delheimer
- USDA Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station Placerville California USA
| | - Katie M. Moriarty
- National Council for Air and Stream Improvement, Inc. Corvallis Oregon USA
| | | | - Keith A. Hamm
- Green Diamond Resource Company Korbel California USA
| | - Jonathan N. Pauli
- Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology University of Wisconsin‐Madison Madison Wisconsin USA
| | | | - Patricia N. Manley
- USDA Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station Placerville California USA
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Elbroch LM, Harveson PM. It's time to manage mountain lions in Texas. WILDLIFE SOC B 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/wsb.1361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- L. Mark Elbroch
- Panthera 8 West 40th Street, 18th Floor New York NY 10018 USA
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Clark D, Antwi-Boasiako G, Brook RK, Epp T, Jenkins E, Lambert S, Soos C. Understanding and strengthening wildlife and zoonotic disease policy processes: A research imperative. Zoonoses Public Health 2022; 69:768-776. [PMID: 35822519 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/04/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic highlights the urgency and importance of monitoring, managing and addressing zoonotic diseases, and the acute challenges of doing so with sufficient inter-jurisdictional coordination in a dynamic global context. Although wildlife pathogens are well-studied clinically and ecologically, there is very little systematic scholarship on their management or on policy implications. The current global pandemic therefore presents a unique social science research imperative: to understand how decisions are made about preventing and responding to wildlife diseases, especially zoonoses, and how those policy processes can be improved as part of early warning systems, preparedness and rapid response. To meet these challenges, we recommend intensified research efforts towards: (i) generating functional insights about wildlife and zoonotic disease policy processes, (ii) enabling social and organizational learning to mobilize those insights, (iii) understanding epistemic instability to address populist anti-science and (iv) anticipating evolving and new zoonotic emergences, especially their human dimensions. Since policy processes for zoonoses can be acutely challenged during the early stages of an epidemic or pandemic, such insights can provide a pragmatic, empirically-based roadmap for enhancing their robustness and efficacy, and benefiting long-term decision-making efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas Clark
- School of Environment & Sustainability, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Gabriel Antwi-Boasiako
- School of Environment & Sustainability, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Ryan K Brook
- College of Agriculture and Bioresources, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Tasha Epp
- Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Emily Jenkins
- Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Simon Lambert
- Department of Indigenous Studies, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Catherine Soos
- Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.,Environment and Climate Change, Prairie and Northern Wildlife Research Centre, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
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9
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Stiller JC, Siemer WF, Perkins KA, Fuller AK. Choosing an optimal duck season: integrating hunter values and duck abundance. WILDLIFE SOC B 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/wsb.1313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Joshua C. Stiller
- New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, 625 Broadway 5th Floor Albany NY 12233 USA
| | - William F. Siemer
- Center for Conservation Social Sciences, Department of Natural Resources and the Environment Cornell University, Fernow Hall Ithaca NY 14853 USA
| | - Kelly A. Perkins
- New York Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Natural Resources and the Environment Cornell University, Fernow Hall Ithaca NY 14853 USA
| | - Angela K. Fuller
- U.S. Geological Survey, New York Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Natural Resources and the Environment Cornell University, Fernow Hall Ithaca NY 14853 USA
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Siemer WF, Baumer MS, Pomeranz EF, Decker DJ, Forstchen AB, Riley SJ, Schiavone MV, Smith CA, Lederle PE. Accelerating development of fish and wildlife professionals will take more than training. WILDLIFE SOC B 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/wsb.1258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- William F. Siemer
- Department of Natural Resources and the Environment Fernow Hall, 226 Mann Drive, Cornell University Ithaca NY 14853 USA
| | - Meghan S. Baumer
- Department of Natural Resources and the Environment Fernow Hall, 226 Mann Drive, Cornell University Ithaca NY 14853 USA
| | | | - Daniel J. Decker
- Department of Natural Resources and the Environment Fernow Hall, 226 Mann Drive, Cornell University Ithaca NY 14853 USA
| | - Ann B. Forstchen
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission St. Petersburg FL 33701 USA
| | - Shawn J. Riley
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Michigan State University 480 Wilson Road, Natural Resources Bldg. East Lansing MI 48864 USA
| | - Michael V. Schiavone
- New York State Department of Environmental Conservation 625 Broadway Albany NY 12233 USA
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11
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Cusack JJ, Nilsen EB, Israelsen MF, Andrén H, Grainger M, Linnell JDC, Odden J, Bunnefeld N. Quantifying the checks and balances of collaborative governance systems for adaptive carnivore management. J Appl Ecol 2022; 59:1038-1049. [PMID: 35910004 PMCID: PMC9306889 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.14113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Recovering or threatened carnivore populations are often harvested to minimise their impact on human activities, such as livestock farming or game hunting. Increasingly, harvest quota decisions involve a set of scientific, administrative and political institutions operating at national and sub-national levels whose interactions and collective decision-making aim to increase the legitimacy of management and ensure population targets are met. In practice, however, assessments of how quota decisions change between these different actors and what consequences these changes have on population trends are rare.We combine a state-space population modelling approach with an analysis of quota decisions taken at both regional and national levels between 2007 and 2018 to build a set of decision-making models that together predict annual harvest quota values for Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) in Norway.We reveal a tendency for administrative decision-makers to compensate for consistent quota increases by political actors, particularly when the lynx population size estimate is above the regional target. Using population forecasts based on the ensemble of decision-making models, we show that such buffering of political biases ensures lynx population size remains close to regional and national targets in the long term.Our results go beyond the usual qualitative assessment of collaborative governance systems for carnivore management, revealing a system of checks and balances that, in the case of lynx in Norway, ensures both multi-stakeholder participation and sustainable harvest quotas. Nevertheless, we highlight important inter-regional differences in decision-making and population forecasts, the socio-ecological drivers of which need to be better understood to prevent future population declines. Synthesis and applications. Our work analyses the sequence of decisions leading to yearly quotas for lynx harvest in Norway, highlighting the collaborative and structural processes that together shape harvest sustainability. In doing so, we provide a predictive framework to evaluate participatory decision-making processes in wildlife management, paving the way for scientists and decision-makers to collaborate more widely in identifying where decision biases might lie and how institutional arrangements can be optimised to minimise them. We emphasise, however, that this is only possible if wildlife management decisions are documented and transparent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy J. Cusack
- Centro de Modelación y Monitoreo de EcosistemasUniversidad MayorSantiagoChile
- Biological and Environmental SciencesUniversity of StirlingStirlingUK
| | | | | | - Henrik Andrén
- Grimsö Wildlife Research Station, Department of EcologySwedish University of Agricultural SciencesRiddarhyttanSweden
| | | | | | - John Odden
- Norwegian Institute for Nature ResearchOsloNorway
| | - Nils Bunnefeld
- Biological and Environmental SciencesUniversity of StirlingStirlingUK
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12
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The occupancy-abundance relationship and sampling designs using occupancy to monitor populations of Asian bears. Glob Ecol Conserv 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2022.e02075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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13
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Hemming V, Camaclang AE, Adams MS, Burgman M, Carbeck K, Carwardine J, Chadès I, Chalifour L, Converse SJ, Davidson LNK, Garrard GE, Finn R, Fleri JR, Huard J, Mayfield HJ, Madden EM, Naujokaitis‐Lewis I, Possingham HP, Rumpff L, Runge MC, Stewart D, Tulloch VJD, Walshe T, Martin TG. An introduction to decision science for conservation. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2022; 36:e13868. [PMID: 34856010 PMCID: PMC9302662 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.13868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Biodiversity conservation decisions are difficult, especially when they involve differing values, complex multidimensional objectives, scarce resources, urgency, and considerable uncertainty. Decision science embodies a theory about how to make difficult decisions and an extensive array of frameworks and tools that make that theory practical. We sought to improve conceptual clarity and practical application of decision science to help decision makers apply decision science to conservation problems. We addressed barriers to the uptake of decision science, including a lack of training and awareness of decision science; confusion over common terminology and which tools and frameworks to apply; and the mistaken impression that applying decision science must be time consuming, expensive, and complex. To aid in navigating the extensive and disparate decision science literature, we clarify meaning of common terms: decision science, decision theory, decision analysis, structured decision-making, and decision-support tools. Applying decision science does not have to be complex or time consuming; rather, it begins with knowing how to think through the components of a decision utilizing decision analysis (i.e., define the problem, elicit objectives, develop alternatives, estimate consequences, and perform trade-offs). This is best achieved by applying a rapid-prototyping approach. At each step, decision-support tools can provide additional insight and clarity, whereas decision-support frameworks (e.g., priority threat management and systematic conservation planning) can aid navigation of multiple steps of a decision analysis for particular contexts. We summarize key decision-support frameworks and tools and describe to which step of a decision analysis, and to which contexts, each is most useful to apply. Our introduction to decision science will aid in contextualizing current approaches and new developments, and help decision makers begin to apply decision science to conservation problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Hemming
- Conservation Decisions Lab, Department of Forest and Conservation SciencesUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | - Abbey E. Camaclang
- Conservation Decisions Lab, Department of Forest and Conservation SciencesUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | - Megan S. Adams
- Conservation Decisions Lab, Department of Forest and Conservation SciencesUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | - Mark Burgman
- Centre for Environmental PolicyImperial College LondonLondonUK
| | - Katherine Carbeck
- Conservation Decisions Lab, Department of Forest and Conservation SciencesUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | | | | | - Lia Chalifour
- Conservation Decisions Lab, Department of Forest and Conservation SciencesUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
- Department of BiologyUniversity of VictoriaVictoriaBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | - Sarah J. Converse
- U.S. Geological Survey, Washington Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, School of Environmental and Forest Sciences & School of Aquatic and Fishery SciencesUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Lindsay N. K. Davidson
- Biodiversity Research CenterUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | - Georgia E. Garrard
- School of Ecosystem and Forest SciencesThe University of MelbourneMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Riley Finn
- Conservation Decisions Lab, Department of Forest and Conservation SciencesUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | - Jesse R. Fleri
- Conservation Decisions Lab, Department of Forest and Conservation SciencesUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
- Department of BotanyUniversity of WyomingLaramieWyomingUSA
| | - Jacqueline Huard
- Conservation Decisions Lab, Department of Forest and Conservation SciencesUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | - Helen J. Mayfield
- School of Earth and Environmental SciencesThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation ScienceThe University of QueenslandSaint LuciaQueenslandAustralia
| | - Eve McDonald Madden
- School of Earth and Environmental SciencesThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
| | - Ilona Naujokaitis‐Lewis
- National Wildlife Research CentreEnvironment and Climate Change Canada, Carleton UniversityOttawaOntarioCanada
| | - Hugh P. Possingham
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation ScienceThe University of QueenslandSaint LuciaQueenslandAustralia
| | - Libby Rumpff
- School of Ecosystem and Forest SciencesThe University of MelbourneMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Michael C. Runge
- U.S. Geological Survey Eastern Ecological Science CenterPatuxent Research RefugeLaurelMarylandUSA
| | - Daniel Stewart
- Conservation Decisions Lab, Department of Forest and Conservation SciencesUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | - Vivitskaia J. D. Tulloch
- Conservation Decisions Lab, Department of Forest and Conservation SciencesUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | - Terry Walshe
- School of Ecosystem and Forest SciencesThe University of MelbourneMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Tara G. Martin
- Conservation Decisions Lab, Department of Forest and Conservation SciencesUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
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Townsend PA, Clare JDJ, Liu N, Stenglein JL, Anhalt‐Depies C, Van Deelen TR, Gilbert NA, Singh A, Martin KJ, Zuckerberg B. Snapshot Wisconsin: networking community scientists and remote sensing to improve ecological monitoring and management. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2021; 31:e02436. [PMID: 34374154 PMCID: PMC9286556 DOI: 10.1002/eap.2436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Biological data collection is entering a new era. Community science, satellite remote sensing (SRS), and local forms of remote sensing (e.g., camera traps and acoustic recordings) have enabled biological data to be collected at unprecedented spatial and temporal scales and resolution. There is growing interest in developing observation networks to collect and synthesize data to improve broad-scale ecological monitoring, but no examples of such networks have emerged to inform decision-making by agencies. Here, we present the implementation of one such jurisdictional observation network (JON), Snapshot Wisconsin, which links synoptic environmental data derived from SRS to biodiversity observations collected continuously from a trail camera network to support management decision-making. We use several examples to illustrate that Snapshot Wisconsin improves the spatial, temporal, and biological resolution and extent of information available to support management, filling gaps associated with traditional monitoring and enabling consideration of new management strategies. JONs like Snapshot Wisconsin further strengthen monitoring inference by contributing novel lines of evidence useful for corroboration or integration. SRS provides environmental context that facilitates inference, prediction, and forecasting, and ultimately helps managers formulate, test, and refine conceptual models for the monitored systems. Although these approaches pose challenges, Snapshot Wisconsin demonstrates that expansive observation networks can be tractably managed by agencies to support decision making, providing a powerful new tool for agencies to better achieve their missions and reshape the nature of environmental decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip A. Townsend
- Department of Forest and Wildlife EcologyUniversity of Wisconsin‐MadisonMadisonWisconsin53706USA
| | - John D. J. Clare
- Department of Forest and Wildlife EcologyUniversity of Wisconsin‐MadisonMadisonWisconsin53706USA
| | - Nanfeng Liu
- Department of Forest and Wildlife EcologyUniversity of Wisconsin‐MadisonMadisonWisconsin53706USA
| | | | - Christine Anhalt‐Depies
- Department of Forest and Wildlife EcologyUniversity of Wisconsin‐MadisonMadisonWisconsin53706USA
- Wisconsin Department of Natural ResourcesMadisonWisconsin53707USA
| | - Timothy R. Van Deelen
- Department of Forest and Wildlife EcologyUniversity of Wisconsin‐MadisonMadisonWisconsin53706USA
| | - Neil A. Gilbert
- Department of Forest and Wildlife EcologyUniversity of Wisconsin‐MadisonMadisonWisconsin53706USA
| | - Aditya Singh
- Department of Agricultural and Biological EngineeringUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFlorida32603USA
| | - Karl J. Martin
- Division of ExtensionUniversity of Wisconsin‐MadisonMadisonWisconsin53706USA
| | - Benjamin Zuckerberg
- Department of Forest and Wildlife EcologyUniversity of Wisconsin‐MadisonMadisonWisconsin53706USA
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15
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Barrett K, Rodriguez SL. What Sources Are Natural Resource Managers Using to Make Decisions? J Wildl Manage 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.22112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kyle Barrett
- Clemson University 261 Lehotsky Hall Clemson SC 29634 USA
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Amburgey SM, Yackel Adams AA, Gardner B, Hostetter NJ, Siers SR, McClintock BT, Converse SJ. Evaluation of camera trap-based abundance estimators for unmarked populations. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2021; 31:e02410. [PMID: 34255398 DOI: 10.1002/eap.2410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Estimates of species abundance are critical to understand population processes and to assess and select management actions. However, capturing and marking individuals for abundance estimation, while providing robust information, can be economically and logistically prohibitive, particularly for species with cryptic behavior. Camera traps can be used to collect data at temporal and spatial scales necessary for estimating abundance, but the use of camera traps comes with limitations when target species are not uniquely identifiable (i.e., "unmarked"). Abundance estimation is particularly useful in the management of invasive species, with herpetofauna being recognized as some of the most pervasive and detrimental invasive vertebrate species. However, the use of camera traps for these taxa presents additional challenges with relevancy across multiple taxa. It is often necessary to use lures to attract animals in order to obtain sufficient observations, yet lure attraction can influence species' landscape use and potentially induce bias in abundance estimators. We investigated these challenges and assessed the feasibility of obtaining reliable abundance estimates using camera-trapping data on a population of invasive brown treesnakes (Boiga irregularis) in Guam. Data were collected using camera traps in an enclosed area where snakes were subject to high-intensity capture-recapture effort, resulting in presumed abundance of 116 snakes (density = 23/ha). We then applied spatial count, random encounter and staying time, space to event, and instantaneous sampling estimators to photo-capture data to estimate abundance and compared estimates to our presumed abundance. We found that all estimators for unmarked populations performed poorly, with inaccurate or imprecise abundance estimates that limit their usefulness for management in this system. We further investigated the sensitivity of these estimators to the use of lures (i.e., violating the assumption that animal behavior is unchanged by sampling) and camera density in a simulation study. Increasing the effective distances of a lure (i.e., lure attraction) and camera density both resulted in biased abundance estimates. Each estimator rarely recovered truth or suffered from convergence issues. Our results indicate that, when limited to unmarked estimators and the use of lures, camera traps alone are unlikely to produce abundance estimates with utility for brown treesnake management.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Amburgey
- Washington Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, 98195, USA
| | - A A Yackel Adams
- U.S. Geological Survey, Fort Collins Science Center, 2150 Centre Avenue, Building C, Fort Collins, Colorado, 80526, USA
| | - B Gardner
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, 98195, USA
| | - N J Hostetter
- Washington Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, 98195, USA
| | - S R Siers
- U.S. Department of Agriculture APHIS Wildlife Services National Wildlife Research Center, 233 Pangelinan Way, Barrigada, 96913, Guam
| | - B T McClintock
- Marine Mammal Laboratory, NOAA-NMFS Alaska Fisheries Science Center, Seattle, Washington, 98115, USA
| | - S J Converse
- U.S. Geological Survey, Washington Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, School of Environmental and Forest Sciences & School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, 98195, USA
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