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Morandini M, Koprowski JL. Using a substitute species to inform translocation of an endangered territorial mammal. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0271083. [PMID: 36795641 PMCID: PMC9934355 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0271083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Substitute species can inform management strategies without exposing endangered species to unacceptable risk. Furthermore, experimental approaches may help to identify the causes of translocation failures, improving the chances of success. We used a surrogate subspecies, Tamiasciurus fremonti fremonti to test different translocation techniques to inform on potential management actions with regards to the endangered Mt. Graham red squirrel (Tamiasciurus fremonti grahamensis). Individuals of both subspecies defend year-round territories in similar mixed conifer forests at elevations between 2650-2750 m, where they store cones to survive over winter. We fitted VHF radio collars to 54 animals, and we monitored their survival and movements until individuals settled on a new territory. We considered the effect of season, translocation technique (soft or hard release), and body mass on survival, distance moved after release, and time to settlement of translocated animals. Survival probability averaged 0.48 after 60 days from the translocation event and was not affected by season or translocation technique. 54% of the mortality was caused by predation. Distance moved and number of days to settlement varied with season, where winter was characterized by shorter distances (average of 364 m in winter versus 1752 m in fall) and a smaller number of days (6 in winter versus 23 in fall). The data emphasized on the potential of substitute species to provide valuable information for possible outcomes of management strategies to closely related endangered species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Morandini
- School of Natural Resources and the Environment, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States of America
| | - John L. Koprowski
- Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, United States of America
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2
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Hartley R, Clemann N, Atkins Z, Scheele BC, Lindenmayer DB, Amor MD. Isolated on sky islands: genetic diversity and population structure of an endangered mountain lizard. CONSERV GENET 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10592-022-01495-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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3
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Reproductive biology and population structure of the endangered shrub Grevillea bedggoodiana (Proteaceae). CONSERV GENET 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10592-022-01480-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
AbstractNarrowly endemic species are particularly vulnerable to catastrophic events. Compared to widespread species, they may also be less capable of adapting to shifts in environmental pressures as a result of specialisation on a narrow range of local condition and limited ability to disperse. However, life-history traits, such as preferential outcrossing and high fecundity can maintain genetic diversity and evolutionary potential, and boost species resilience. The endangered Grevillea bedggoodiana (Enfield Grevillea) is an understorey shrub restricted to an area of ca. 150 km2 in south-eastern Australia with a legacy of large-scale anthropogenic disturbance. Prior to this study little was known about its biology and population structure. Here, its breeding system was assessed through a controlled pollination experiment at one of its central populations, and eight populations were sampled for genetic analysis with microsatellite markers. The species was found to be preferentially outcrossing, with no evidence of pollination limitation. In most populations, allelic richness, observed heterozygosity and gene diversity were high (Ar: 3.8–6.3; Ho: 0.45–0.65, He: 0.60 − 0.75). However, the inbreeding coefficients were significant in at least four populations, ranging from Fi -0.061 to 0.259 despite high outcrossing rates. Estimated reproductive rates varied among sampled populations but were independent of gene diversity and inbreeding. Despite its small geographic range, the species’ populations showed moderate differentiation (AMOVA: FST = 0.123), which was largely attributable to isolation by distance. We interpret these results as suggesting that G. bedggoodiana is reproductively healthy and has maintained high levels of genetic diversity despite recent disturbance.
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4
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Measuring the Impact of Conservation: The Growing Importance of Monitoring Fauna, Flora and Funga. DIVERSITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/d14100824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Many stakeholders, from governments to civil society to businesses, lack the data they need to make informed decisions on biodiversity, jeopardising efforts to conserve, restore and sustainably manage nature. Here we review the importance of enhancing biodiversity monitoring, assess the challenges involved and identify potential solutions. Capacity for biodiversity monitoring needs to be enhanced urgently, especially in poorer, high-biodiversity countries where data gaps are disproportionately high. Modern tools and technologies, including remote sensing, bioacoustics and environmental DNA, should be used at larger scales to fill taxonomic and geographic data gaps, especially in the tropics, in marine and freshwater biomes, and for plants, fungi and invertebrates. Stakeholders need to follow best monitoring practices, adopting appropriate indicators and using counterfactual approaches to measure and attribute outcomes and impacts. Data should be made openly and freely available. Companies need to invest in collecting the data required to enhance sustainability in their operations and supply chains. With governments soon to commit to the post-2020 global biodiversity framework, the time is right to make a concerted push on monitoring. However, action at scale is needed now if we are to enhance results-based management adequately to conserve the biodiversity and ecosystem services we all depend on.
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5
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Hall CA, Potvin DA, Conroy GC. A new candling procedure for thick and opaque eggs and its application to avian conservation management. Zoo Biol 2022; 42:296-307. [PMID: 36070084 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21730] [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: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The ability to monitor developing avian embryos and their associated vascular system via candling enables the application of important reproductive management techniques. Egg candling facilitates the confirmation of egg viability throughout the incubation process and identification of a precise position on a vein for the safe extraction of blood. Blood samples may then be analysed to retrieve vital health and genetic information to assist in conservation management. However, the thick or opaque egg shell characteristics of some avian species prevents the observation of egg contents using traditional candling methods, thus limiting management options. This paper tests a novel method of preparing thick-shelled or opaque eggs so that traditional egg candling and blood extraction methods may be applied. Eggs from captive emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae, Latham 1790) and southern cassowary (Casuarius casuarius johnsonii, Linnaeus 1758) were obtained, and partial fenestration was performed on two areas of shell either before incubation or at ⅓ of incubation. Hatchability and weight loss were examined as a measure of effect of the fenestration process on the developing embryo. Clear observation of vascular development was successful in 97% of viable fenestrated eggs, without affecting hatchability or weight loss. Blood samples were taken from developing embryos and DNA was successfully extracted for proof of concept of this new technique. The ability to observe vascular development and monitor the developing embryo in thick and opaque eggs will significantly improve both in situ and ex situ population management options such as in ovo sexing in species of concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clancy A Hall
- School of Science, Technology and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, QLD, Australia
| | - Dominique A Potvin
- School of Science, Technology and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, QLD, Australia
| | - Gabriel C Conroy
- School of Science, Technology and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, QLD, Australia.,Centre for Bioinnovation, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, QLD, Australia
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6
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Vicente-Silva L, Faggioni GP, Paggi GM. Predicting potential distribution and evaluating biotic interactions of threatened species: a case study of Discocactus ferricola (Cactaceae). BIOTA NEOTROPICA 2022. [DOI: 10.1590/1676-0611-bn-2020-1145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Abstract: Information on distribution, number of populations, and biotic interactions are essential for assessing the threat status of species and to establish more effective conservation initiatives. Ecological niche modeling have been successfully applied to identify the potential distribution, even for rare species that have few recorded occurrence points. In this study, we evaluated the potential distribution and additionally generated the first data on the reproductive biology of Discocactus ferricola, due to its degree of threat and the absence of ecological data for that species. The potential distribution map highlighted areas with higher probability of occurrence of D. ferricola on the Residual Plateau of Maciço do Urucum located in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. The occurrence of D. ferricola populations was limited to outcrops of flat ironstone (cangas) distributed in patches across the landscape, increasing the chances of serious threats, such as habitat loss due to mining and species extraction. We also found that D. ferricola is xenogamous. Therefore, in situ conservation actions must prioritize the maintenance of interactions with pollinators by preserving the flora and fauna of rocky outcrops and adjacent forests in areas of greater environmental suitability for D. ferricola. Our study highlights the use of ecological niche modeling and data on biotic interactions to evaluate species potential distribution, to guide new sampling efforts, and to assist conservation and management initiatives.
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Kutt AS, Dickson CR, Quarmby J, Kingdom D, Hamer RP. Evaluating predictors of Ptunarra Brown Butterfly
Oreixenica ptunarra
abundance on a conservation reserve to refine future monitoring. ECOLOGICAL MANAGEMENT & RESTORATION 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/emr.12544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alex S. Kutt
- Tasmanian Land Conservancy Lower Sandy Bay Tas 7005 Australia
- School of BioSciences The University of Melbourne Melbourne Vic. 3010 Australia
- School of Natural Sciences University of Tasmania Hobart Tas 7005 Australia
| | - Catherine R. Dickson
- Tasmanian Land Conservancy Lower Sandy Bay Tas 7005 Australia
- School of Biological Sciences Monash University Melbourne Vic. 3100 Australia
| | - Joseph Quarmby
- Tasmanian Land Conservancy Lower Sandy Bay Tas 7005 Australia
| | - Denna Kingdom
- Tasmanian Land Conservancy Lower Sandy Bay Tas 7005 Australia
| | - Rowena P. Hamer
- Tasmanian Land Conservancy Lower Sandy Bay Tas 7005 Australia
- School of Natural Sciences University of Tasmania Hobart Tas 7005 Australia
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Legge S, Woinarski JCZ, Scheele BC, Garnett ST, Lintermans M, Nimmo DG, Whiterod NS, Southwell DM, Ehmke G, Buchan A, Gray J, Metcalfe DJ, Page M, Rumpff L, Leeuwen S, Williams D, Ahyong ST, Chapple DG, Cowan M, Hossain MA, Kennard M, Macdonald S, Moore H, Marsh J, McCormack RB, Michael D, Mitchell N, Newell D, Raadik TA, Tingley R. Rapid assessment of the biodiversity impacts of the 2019–2020 Australian megafires to guide urgent management intervention and recovery and lessons for other regions. DIVERS DISTRIB 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/ddi.13428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Legge
- Fenner School of Environment & Society The Australian National University Canberra ACT Australia
- Centre for Biodiversity Conservation Science University of Queensland St Lucia Qld Australia
| | - John C. Z. Woinarski
- Research Institute of the Environment and Livelihoods Charles Darwin University Darwin NT Australia
| | - Ben C. Scheele
- Fenner School of Environment & Society The Australian National University Canberra ACT Australia
| | - Stephen T. Garnett
- Research Institute of the Environment and Livelihoods Charles Darwin University Darwin NT Australia
| | - Mark Lintermans
- Centre for Applied Water Science University of Canberra Canberra ACT Australia
| | - Dale G. Nimmo
- Institute for Land, Water and Society School of Environmental Science Charles Sturt University Albury NSW Australia
| | | | - Darren M. Southwell
- Quantitative and Applied Ecology Group School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences University of Melbourne Parkville Vic. Australia
| | | | - Anne Buchan
- Biodiversity Strategy and Knowledge Branch, Biodiversity Division Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning Heidelberg Vic. Australia
| | | | | | - Manda Page
- Queensland Department of Environment and Science Moggill Qld Australia
| | - Libby Rumpff
- Quantitative and Applied Ecology Group School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences University of Melbourne Parkville Vic. Australia
| | - Stephen Leeuwen
- School of Molecular & Life Sciences Curtin University Bentley WA Australia
| | - Dick Williams
- Research Institute of the Environment and Livelihoods Charles Darwin University Darwin NT Australia
| | - Shane T. Ahyong
- Australian Museum Research Institute Sydney NSW Australia
- School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences University of New South Wales Kensington NSW Australia
| | - David G. Chapple
- School of Biological Sciences Monash University Clayton, Melbourne Vic. Australia
| | - Mitch Cowan
- Institute for Land, Water and Society School of Environmental Science Charles Sturt University Albury NSW Australia
| | - Md Anwar Hossain
- Climatic and Metabolic Ecology Lab Quantitative and Applied Ecology Group School of BioSciences University of Melbourne Parkville Vic. Australia
| | - Mark Kennard
- Australian Rivers Institute Griffiths University Nathan Qld Australia
| | | | - Harry Moore
- Institute for Land, Water and Society School of Environmental Science Charles Sturt University Albury NSW Australia
| | - Jessica Marsh
- Research Institute of the Environment and Livelihoods Charles Darwin University Darwin NT Australia
| | - Robert B. McCormack
- Australian Crayfish Project Australian Aquatic Biological Pty Ltd Swan Bay NSW Australia
- Section of Invertebrate Zoology Carnegie Museum of Natural History Pittsburgh PA USA
| | - Damian Michael
- Institute for Land, Water and Society School of Environmental Science Charles Sturt University Albury NSW Australia
| | - Nicola Mitchell
- School of Biological Sciences University of Western Australia Perth WA Australia
| | - David Newell
- School of Environment, Science and Engineering Southern Cross University East Lismore NSW Australia
| | - Tarmo A. Raadik
- Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning Arthur Rylah Institute Heidelberg Vic. Australia
| | - Reid Tingley
- School of Biological Sciences Monash University Clayton, Melbourne Vic. Australia
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9
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Espinoza T, Burke CL, Carpenter-Bundhoo L, Marshall SM, McDougall AJ, Roberts DT, Campbell HA, Kennard MJ. Quantifying movement of multiple threatened species to inform adaptive management of environmental flows. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2021; 295:113067. [PMID: 34171782 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.113067] [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: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
There is a growing need for water managers to refine and optimise environmental flow strategies (e-flows) to balance water requirements for humans and nature. With increasing demands for freshwater and consequent declines in biodiversity, managers are faced with the problem of how to adaptively manage e-flows for multiple stakeholders and species whose flow requirements may overlap or vary. This study assessed the effectiveness of a regulated e-flow release strategy from a dam, aimed at providing movement opportunities and facilitating reproductive processes for multiple threatened species. Movements of 24 Mary River cod (Maccullochella mariensis), 20 Australian lungfish (Neoceratodus forsteri) and 13 Mary River turtle (Elusor macrurus) were quantified using acoustic telemetry over a three-year period. The influence of regulated e-flow releases, season, river depth, water temperature and rainfall on animal movements was assessed using Generalised linear mixed models (GLMMs). Models showed that hydraulic connectivity provided by both natural flows and regulated e-flow releases facilitated movement of all three species between pool habitats, throughout the year. Mary River turtles made extensive use of regulated e-flow releases when moving between habitats, whereas Mary River cod and Australian lungfish required additional natural rises in river height above the regulated e-flows to trigger movements. Significant movement activity was also recorded for cod and turtles during the dry season (winter and spring), broadly coinciding with breeding periods for these species. The effectiveness of, and potential improvements to, current e-flow strategies to sustain key life-history requirements of these species is discussed. Findings suggest a revised e-flow strategy with relatively minor increases in the magnitude of e-flow releases throughout winter and spring, would be effective in providing movement opportunities and supporting reproductive success for all three species. This study demonstrates that by quantifying movement behaviour in an e-flow context, ecological risk assessment frameworks can then be used to assess and provide for critical life-history requirements of multiple species within the context of a highly regulated system under increasing water use demands.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Espinoza
- Department of Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water, Bundaberg, QLD, 4670, Australia.
| | - C L Burke
- Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, 4111, Australia
| | - L Carpenter-Bundhoo
- Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, 4111, Australia
| | - S M Marshall
- Department of Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water, Bundaberg, QLD, 4670, Australia
| | - A J McDougall
- Department of Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water, Bundaberg, QLD, 4670, Australia
| | - D T Roberts
- Seqwater, Ipswich, Queensland, 4305, Australia
| | - H A Campbell
- Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods, School of Environment, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT, 0909, Australia
| | - M J Kennard
- Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, 4111, Australia
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10
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Scheele BC, Hollanders M, Hoffmann EP, Newell DA, Lindenmayer DB, McFadden M, Gilbert DJ, Grogan LF. Conservation translocations for amphibian species threatened by chytrid fungus: A review, conceptual framework, and recommendations. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ben C. Scheele
- Fenner School of Environment and Society Australian National University Canberra Australian Capital Territory Australia
| | - Matthijs Hollanders
- Faculty of Science and Engineering Southern Cross University Lismore New South Wales Australia
| | - Emily P. Hoffmann
- Fenner School of Environment and Society Australian National University Canberra Australian Capital Territory Australia
- School of Biological Sciences The University of Western Australia Crawley Western Australia Australia
| | - David A. Newell
- Faculty of Science and Engineering Southern Cross University Lismore New South Wales Australia
| | - David B. Lindenmayer
- Fenner School of Environment and Society Australian National University Canberra Australian Capital Territory Australia
| | - Michael McFadden
- Taronga Conservation Society Australia Mosman New South Wales Australia
| | - Deon J. Gilbert
- Wildlife Conservation and Science Zoos Victoria Parkville Victoria Australia
| | - Laura F. Grogan
- Centre for Planetary Health and Food Security, School of Environment and Science Griffith University Southport Queensland Australia
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11
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Crates R, Rayner L, Stojanovic D, Scheele BC, Roff A, MacKenzie J, Heinsohn R. Poor‐quality monitoring data underestimate the impact of Australia's megafires on a critically endangered songbird. DIVERS DISTRIB 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/ddi.13385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ross Crates
- Fenner School of Environment and Society Australian National University Canberra Australian Capital Territory Australia
| | - Laura Rayner
- Fenner School of Environment and Society Australian National University Canberra Australian Capital Territory Australia
- Parks and Conservation Service ACT Government Coombs Australian Capital Territory Australia
| | - Dejan Stojanovic
- Fenner School of Environment and Society Australian National University Canberra Australian Capital Territory Australia
| | - Ben C. Scheele
- Fenner School of Environment and Society Australian National University Canberra Australian Capital Territory Australia
| | - Adam Roff
- New South Wales Department of Planning, Industry and Environment Newcastle New South Wales Australia
| | | | - Robert Heinsohn
- Fenner School of Environment and Society Australian National University Canberra Australian Capital Territory Australia
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12
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Gautschi D, Heinsohn R, Murphy L, Crates R. Landscape‐scale distribution of nest predators and its relationship with regent honeyeater nest success. AUSTRAL ECOL 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/aec.13075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Gautschi
- Fenner School Australian National University Linnaeus Way Canberra Australian Capital Territory 2601 Australia
| | - Robert Heinsohn
- Fenner School Australian National University Linnaeus Way Canberra Australian Capital Territory 2601 Australia
| | - Liam Murphy
- Fenner School Australian National University Linnaeus Way Canberra Australian Capital Territory 2601 Australia
| | - Ross Crates
- Fenner School Australian National University Linnaeus Way Canberra Australian Capital Territory 2601 Australia
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13
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Corcoran E, Denman S, Hamilton G. Evaluating new technology for biodiversity monitoring: Are drone surveys biased? Ecol Evol 2021; 11:6649-6656. [PMID: 34141247 PMCID: PMC8207445 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.7518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Drones and machine learning-based automated detection methods are being used by ecologists to conduct wildlife surveys with increasing frequency. When traditional survey methods have been evaluated, a range of factors have been found to influence detection probabilities, including individual differences among conspecific animals, which can thus introduce biases into survey counts. There has been no such evaluation of drone-based surveys using automated detection in a natural setting. This is important to establish since any biases in counts made using these methods will need to be accounted for, to provide accurate data and improve decision-making for threatened species. In this study, a rare opportunity to survey a ground-truthed, individually marked population of 48 koalas in their natural habitat allowed for direct comparison of the factors impacting detection probability in both ground observation and drone surveys with manual and automated detection. We found that sex and host tree preferences impacted detection in ground surveys and in manual analysis of drone imagery with female koalas likely to be under-represented, and koalas higher in taller trees detected less frequently when present. Tree species composition of a forest stand also impacted on detections. In contrast, none of these factors impacted on automated detection. This suggests that the combination of drone-captured imagery and machine learning does not suffer from the same biases that affect conventional ground surveys. This provides further evidence that drones and machine learning are promising tools for gathering reliable detection data to better inform the management of threatened populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evangeline Corcoran
- School of Biological and Environmental SciencesQueensland University of TechnologyBrisbaneQldAustralia
| | - Simon Denman
- School of Electrical Engineering and RoboticsQueensland University of TechnologyBrisbaneQldAustralia
| | - Grant Hamilton
- School of Biological and Environmental SciencesQueensland University of TechnologyBrisbaneQldAustralia
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14
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Lavery TH, Morgain R, Fitzsimons JA, Fluin J, Macgregor NA, Robinson NM, Scheele BC, Selwood KE, Spindler R, Vuong H, West S, Wintle BA, Lindenmayer DB. Impact Indicators for Biodiversity Conservation Research: Measuring Influence within and beyond Academia. Bioscience 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/biosci/biaa159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Measuring, reporting, and forecasting research impact beyond academia has become increasingly important to demonstrate and understand real-world benefits. This is arguably most important in crisis disciplines such as medicine, environmental sustainability and biodiversity conservation, where application of new knowledge is urgently needed to improve health and environmental outcomes. Increasing focus on impact has prompted the development of theoretical guidance and practical tools tailored to a range of disciplines, but commensurate development of tools for conservation is still needed. In the present article, we review available tools for evaluating research impact applicable to conservation research. From these, and via a survey of conservation professionals, we compiled and ranked a list of 96 impact indicators useful for conservation science. Our indicators apply to a logic chain of inputs, processes, outputs, outcomes, and impacts. We suggest the list can act as a clear guide to realize and measure potential impacts from conservation research within and beyond academia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyrone H Lavery
- The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory of Australia
| | - Rachel Morgain
- The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory of Australia
| | - James A Fitzsimons
- The Nature Conservancy and the School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jennie Fluin
- Government of South Australia, Department for Environment and Water, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Nicholas A Macgregor
- Parks Australia, located, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory of Australia and the Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, University of Kent, Canterbury, United Kingdom
| | - Natasha M Robinson
- The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory of Australia
| | - Ben C Scheele
- The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory of Australia
| | | | | | - Holly Vuong
- The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory of Australia
| | - Simon West
- Stockholm Resilience Centre, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Brendan A Wintle
- School of Biosciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - David B Lindenmayer
- The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory of Australia
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15
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Kraus D, Murphy S, Armitage D. Ten bridges on the road to recovering Canada’s endangered species. Facets (Ott) 2021. [DOI: 10.1139/facets-2020-0084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Wildlife is declining around the world. Many developed nations have enacted legislation on endangered species protection and provide funding for wildlife recovery. Protecting endangered species is also supported by the public and judiciary. Yet, despite what appear as enabling conditions, wild species continue to decline. Our paper explores pathways to endangered species recovery by analyzing the barriers that have been identified in Canada, the United States, and Australia. We summarize these findings based on Canada’s Species at Risk Conservation Cycle (assessment, protection, recovery planning, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation) and then identify 10 “bridges” that could help overcome these barriers and bend our current trajectory of wildlife loss to recovery. These bridges include ecosystem approaches to recovery, building capacity for community co-governance, linking wildlife recovery to ecosystem services, and improving our storytelling about the loss and recovery of wildlife. The focus of our conclusions is the Canadian setting, but our findings can be applied in other national and subnational settings to reverse the decline of wildlife and halt extinction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Kraus
- Faculty of Environment, School of Environment, Resources and Sustainability, University of Waterloo, Environment 2, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
- Nature Conservancy of Canada, 245 Eglinton Avenue East, Suite 410, Toronto, ON M4P 3J1, Canada
| | - Stephen Murphy
- Faculty of Environment, School of Environment, Resources and Sustainability, University of Waterloo, Environment 2, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Derek Armitage
- Faculty of Environment, School of Environment, Resources and Sustainability, University of Waterloo, Environment 2, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
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16
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Robinson NM, Blanchard W, MacGregor C, Brewster R, Dexter N, Lindenmayer DB. Can evolutionary theories of dispersal and senescence predict postrelease survival, dispersal, and body condition of a reintroduced threatened mammal? Ecol Evol 2021; 11:1002-1012. [PMID: 33520182 PMCID: PMC7820150 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.7115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Theories of dispersal and senescence (or aging) predict that dispersal, and ongoing survival and body condition, are influenced by evolutionary drivers, along with intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Such theories are relevant to translocations of animals where high mortality, loss of body condition, and dispersal beyond the area of release are commonly reported. However, these theories have rarely been tested using data from translocations.We explore whether theories of dispersal and senescence, together with biological knowledge and management interventions, can predict rates of postrelease dispersal, survival and change in body condition of a translocated endangered meso-predator, the eastern quoll Dasyurus viverrinus.Captive-bred quolls (n = 60) from three sanctuaries were translocated to an unfenced, predator-managed reserve (Booderee National Park) over 2 years (2018, 2019). Survival, dispersal and body mass were monitored via GPS/VHF tracking and targeted trapping for 45 days postrelease.We found support for the "social subordinate" hypothesis, with smaller quolls dispersing further. Consistent with theories of senescence and the biology of our species, survival was marginally greater for females, and females regained losses in body mass in both years following release. In contrast, males recovered body condition in the first but not the second release as this coincided with breeding. Quolls that originated from the mainland sanctuary were on average heavier at release and, after accounting for weight, dispersed further. Synthesis and applications. Using theory to test outcomes of wildlife translocations can provide insights into patterns across taxa and under different conditions, enabling useful improvements to future fauna translocations. This allows for better predictions to be made about the likelihood of success from proposed translocations, changes to planning to improve outcomes (e.g., modifying sex ratios, individual selection and release cohort), and improved animal welfare as fewer animals are subjected to trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha M. Robinson
- Fenner School of Environment and SocietyThe Australian National UniversityCanberraACTAustralia
- The National Environmental Science Program Threatened Species Recovery HubFenner School of Environment and Society, The Australian National UniversityCanberraACTAustralia
| | - Wade Blanchard
- Fenner School of Environment and SocietyThe Australian National UniversityCanberraACTAustralia
| | - Christopher MacGregor
- Fenner School of Environment and SocietyThe Australian National UniversityCanberraACTAustralia
- The National Environmental Science Program Threatened Species Recovery HubFenner School of Environment and Society, The Australian National UniversityCanberraACTAustralia
| | | | - Nick Dexter
- Booderee National ParkJervis BayJBTAustralia
| | - David B. Lindenmayer
- Fenner School of Environment and SocietyThe Australian National UniversityCanberraACTAustralia
- The National Environmental Science Program Threatened Species Recovery HubFenner School of Environment and Society, The Australian National UniversityCanberraACTAustralia
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Pergl J, Pyšek P, Essl F, Jeschke JM, Courchamp F, Geist J, Hejda M, Kowarik I, Mill A, Musseau C, Pipek P, Saul WC, von Schmalensee M, Strayer D. Need for routine tracking of biological invasions. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2020; 34:1311-1314. [PMID: 31773813 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.13445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2018] [Revised: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 10/25/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jan Pergl
- Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Botany, Department of Invasion Ecology, CZ-252 43, Průhonice, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Pyšek
- Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Botany, Department of Invasion Ecology, CZ-252 43, Průhonice, Czech Republic
- Department of Ecology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, CZ-128 44, Prague, Czech Republic
- Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Botany and Zoology & Department of Mathematical Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa
| | - Franz Essl
- Division of Conservation Biology, Vegetation and Landscape Ecology, Department of Botany and Biodversity Research, University of Vienna, 1030, Wien, Austria
| | - Jonathan M Jeschke
- Freie Universität Berlin, Department of Biology, Chemistry, Pharmacy, Institute of Biology, Königin-Luise-Straße 1-3, 14195, Berlin, Germany
- Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB), Müggelseedamm 310, 12587, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin-Brandenburg Institute of Advanced Biodiversity Research (BBIB), Königin-Luise-Straße 2-4, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Franck Courchamp
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, AgroParisTech, Ecologie Systématique Evolution, 91405, Orsay, France
| | - Juergen Geist
- Technical University of Munich, Aquatic Systems Biology Unit, Muehlenweg 22, 85454, Freising, Germany
| | - Martin Hejda
- Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Botany, Department of Invasion Ecology, CZ-252 43, Průhonice, Czech Republic
| | - Ingo Kowarik
- Berlin-Brandenburg Institute of Advanced Biodiversity Research (BBIB), Königin-Luise-Straße 2-4, 14195, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Ecology, Technische Universität Berlin, Rothenburgstr. 12, 12165, Berlin, Germany
| | - Aileen Mill
- Modelling Evidence and Policy Group, School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, U.K
| | - Camille Musseau
- Freie Universität Berlin, Department of Biology, Chemistry, Pharmacy, Institute of Biology, Königin-Luise-Straße 1-3, 14195, Berlin, Germany
- Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB), Müggelseedamm 310, 12587, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin-Brandenburg Institute of Advanced Biodiversity Research (BBIB), Königin-Luise-Straße 2-4, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Pavel Pipek
- Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Botany, Department of Invasion Ecology, CZ-252 43, Průhonice, Czech Republic
- Department of Ecology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, CZ-128 44, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Wolf-Christian Saul
- Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Botany and Zoology & Department of Mathematical Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa
- Freie Universität Berlin, Department of Biology, Chemistry, Pharmacy, Institute of Biology, Königin-Luise-Straße 1-3, 14195, Berlin, Germany
- Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB), Müggelseedamm 310, 12587, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin-Brandenburg Institute of Advanced Biodiversity Research (BBIB), Königin-Luise-Straße 2-4, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Menja von Schmalensee
- West Iceland Nature Research Centre, Hafnargata 3, 340, Stykkishólmur, Iceland
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Iceland, Askja, Sturlugata 7, 102, Reykjavík, Iceland
| | - David Strayer
- Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, P.O. Box AB, 2801 Sharon Turnpike, Millbrook, NY, 12545, U.S.A
- Graham Sustainability Institute, University of Michigan, 625 East Liberty Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, U.S.A
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Lindenmayer DB, Blanchard W, Blair D, McBurney L, Taylor C, Scheele BC, Westgate MJ, Robinson N, Foster C. The response of arboreal marsupials to long‐term changes in forest disturbance. Anim Conserv 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/acv.12634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- D. B. Lindenmayer
- National Environmental Science Program Threatened Species Recovery Hub Fenner School of Environment and Society The Australian National University Canberra ACT Australia
- Fenner School of Environment and Society The Australian National University Canberra ACT Australia
| | - W. Blanchard
- Fenner School of Environment and Society The Australian National University Canberra ACT Australia
| | - D. Blair
- National Environmental Science Program Threatened Species Recovery Hub Fenner School of Environment and Society The Australian National University Canberra ACT Australia
| | - L. McBurney
- National Environmental Science Program Threatened Species Recovery Hub Fenner School of Environment and Society The Australian National University Canberra ACT Australia
| | - C. Taylor
- Fenner School of Environment and Society The Australian National University Canberra ACT Australia
| | - B. C. Scheele
- National Environmental Science Program Threatened Species Recovery Hub Fenner School of Environment and Society The Australian National University Canberra ACT Australia
- Fenner School of Environment and Society The Australian National University Canberra ACT Australia
| | - M. J. Westgate
- Fenner School of Environment and Society The Australian National University Canberra ACT Australia
| | - N. Robinson
- National Environmental Science Program Threatened Species Recovery Hub Fenner School of Environment and Society The Australian National University Canberra ACT Australia
- Fenner School of Environment and Society The Australian National University Canberra ACT Australia
| | - C. Foster
- Fenner School of Environment and Society The Australian National University Canberra ACT Australia
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Stojanovic D, Young C, Troy S, Heinsohn R. Evaluation of intervention aimed at improving reproductive success in Orange‐bellied Parrots
Neophema chrysogaster
: Lessons, barriers and successes. ECOLOGICAL MANAGEMENT & RESTORATION 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/emr.12422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Henden JA, Ims RA, Yoccoz NG, Asbjørnsen EJ, Stien A, Mellard JP, Tveraa T, Marolla F, Jepsen JU. End-user involvement to improve predictions and management of populations with complex dynamics and multiple drivers. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2020; 30:e02120. [PMID: 32159900 DOI: 10.1002/eap.2120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Revised: 12/21/2019] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Sustainable management of wildlife populations can be aided by building models that both identify current drivers of natural dynamics and provide near-term predictions of future states. We employed a Strategic Foresight Protocol (SFP) involving stakeholders to decide the purpose and structure of a dynamic state-space model for the population dynamics of the Willow Ptarmigan, a popular game species in Norway. Based on local knowledge of stakeholders, it was decided that the model should include food web interactions and climatic drivers to provide explanatory predictions. Modeling confirmed observations from stakeholders that climate change impacts Ptarmigan populations negatively through intensified outbreaks of insect defoliators and later onset of winter. Stakeholders also decided that the model should provide anticipatory predictions. The ability to forecast population density ahead of the harvest season was valued by the stakeholders as it provides the management extra time to consider appropriate harvest regulations and communicate with hunters prior to the hunting season. Overall, exploring potential drivers and predicting short-term future states, facilitate collaborative learning and refined data collection, monitoring designs, and management priorities. Our experience from adapting a SFP to a management target with inherently complex dynamics and drivers of environmental change, is that an open, flexible, and iterative process, rather than a rigid step-wise protocol, facilitates rapid learning, trust, and legitimacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- John-André Henden
- University of Tromsø, The Arctic University, Hansine Hansens veg 18, Tromsø, 9019, Norway
| | - Rolf A Ims
- University of Tromsø, The Arctic University, Hansine Hansens veg 18, Tromsø, 9019, Norway
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), Fram Centre, Postboks 6606 Langnes, Tromsø, 9296, Norway
| | - Nigel G Yoccoz
- University of Tromsø, The Arctic University, Hansine Hansens veg 18, Tromsø, 9019, Norway
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), Fram Centre, Postboks 6606 Langnes, Tromsø, 9296, Norway
| | | | - Audun Stien
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), Fram Centre, Postboks 6606 Langnes, Tromsø, 9296, Norway
| | - Jarad Pope Mellard
- University of Tromsø, The Arctic University, Hansine Hansens veg 18, Tromsø, 9019, Norway
| | - Torkild Tveraa
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), Fram Centre, Postboks 6606 Langnes, Tromsø, 9296, Norway
| | - Filippo Marolla
- University of Tromsø, The Arctic University, Hansine Hansens veg 18, Tromsø, 9019, Norway
| | - Jane Uhd Jepsen
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), Fram Centre, Postboks 6606 Langnes, Tromsø, 9296, Norway
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Corcoran E, Denman S, Hamilton G. New technologies in the mix: Assessing N-mixture models for abundance estimation using automated detection data from drone surveys. Ecol Evol 2020; 10:8176-8185. [PMID: 32788970 PMCID: PMC7417234 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.6522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2019] [Revised: 05/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Reliable estimates of abundance are critical in effectively managing threatened species, but the feasibility of integrating data from wildlife surveys completed using advanced technologies such as remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) and machine learning into abundance estimation methods such as N-mixture modeling is largely unknown due to the unique sources of detection errors associated with these technologies.We evaluated two modeling approaches for estimating the abundance of koalas detected automatically in RPAS imagery: (a) a generalized N-mixture model and (b) a modified Horvitz-Thompson (H-T) estimator method combining generalized linear models and generalized additive models for overall probability of detection, false detection, and duplicate detection. The final estimates from each model were compared to the true number of koalas present as determined by telemetry-assisted ground surveys.The modified H-T estimator approach performed best, with the true count of koalas captured within the 95% confidence intervals around the abundance estimates in all 4 surveys in the testing dataset (n = 138 detected objects), a particularly strong result given the difficulty in attaining accuracy found with previous methods.The results suggested that N-mixture models in their current form may not be the most appropriate approach to estimating the abundance of wildlife detected in RPAS surveys with automated detection, and accurate estimates could be made with approaches that account for spurious detections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evangeline Corcoran
- School of Earth, Environmental and Biological SciencesQueensland University of Technology (QUT)BrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | - Simon Denman
- School of Electrical Engineering and Computer ScienceQueensland University of Technology (QUT)BrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | - Grant Hamilton
- School of Earth, Environmental and Biological SciencesQueensland University of Technology (QUT)BrisbaneQLDAustralia
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Ward M, Rhodes JR, Watson JE, Lefevre J, Atkinson S, Possingham HP. Use of surrogate species to cost-effectively prioritize conservation actions. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2020; 34:600-610. [PMID: 31691376 PMCID: PMC7318674 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.13430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Revised: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/27/2019] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Conservation efforts often focus on umbrella species whose distributions overlap with many other flora and fauna. However, because biodiversity is affected by different threats that are spatially variable, focusing only on the geographic range overlap of species may not be sufficient in allocating the necessary actions needed to efficiently abate threats. We developed a problem-based method for prioritizing conservation actions for umbrella species that maximizes the total number of flora and fauna benefiting from management while considering threats, actions, and costs. We tested our new method by assessing the performance of the Australian federal government's umbrella prioritization list, which identifies 73 umbrella species as priorities for conservation attention. Our results show that the federal government priority list benefits only 6% of all Australia's threatened terrestrial species. This could be increased to benefit nearly half (or 46%) of all threatened terrestrial species for the same budget of AU$550 million/year if more suitable umbrella species were chosen. This results in a 7-fold increase in management efficiency. We believe nations around the world can markedly improve the selection of prioritized umbrella species for conservation action with this transparent, quantitative, and objective prioritization approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Ward
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, School of Biological SciencesThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLD4072Australia
- School of Earth and Environmental SciencesThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLD4072Australia
| | - Jonathan R. Rhodes
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, School of Biological SciencesThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLD4072Australia
- School of Earth and Environmental SciencesThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLD4072Australia
| | - James E.M. Watson
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, School of Biological SciencesThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLD4072Australia
- School of Earth and Environmental SciencesThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLD4072Australia
- Wildlife Conservation SocietyGlobal Conservation Program2300 Southern Boulevard, BronxNew YorkNY10460U.S.A.
| | - James Lefevre
- Institute of Molecular BioscienceThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLD4072Australia
| | - Scott Atkinson
- United Nations Development Programme1 United Nations PlazaNew YorkNY10017U.S.A.
| | - Hugh P. Possingham
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, School of Biological SciencesThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLD4072Australia
- The Nature ConservancyMinneapolisMN55415U.S.A.
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Lindenmayer D, Woinarski J, Legge S, Southwell D, Lavery T, Robinson N, Scheele B, Wintle B. A checklist of attributes for effective monitoring of threatened species and threatened ecosystems. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2020; 262:110312. [PMID: 32250795 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2020.110312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Monitoring of threatened species and threatened ecosystems is critical for determining population trends, identifying urgency of management responses, and assessing the efficacy of management interventions. Yet many threatened species and threatened ecosystems are not monitored and for those that are, the quality of the monitoring is often poor. Here we provide a checklist of factors that need to be considered for inclusion in robust monitoring programs for threatened species and threatened ecosystems. These factors can be grouped under four broad themes - the design of monitoring programs, the structure and governance of monitoring programs, data management and reporting, and appropriate funding and legislative support. We briefly discuss key attributes of our checklist under these themes. Key topics in our first theme of the design of monitoring programs include appropriate objective setting, identification of the most appropriate entities to be measured, consistency in methodology and protocols through time, ensuring monitoring is long-term, and embedding monitoring into management. Under our second theme which focuses on the structure and governance of monitoring programs for threatened species and ecosystems, we touch on the importance of adopting monitoring programs that: test the effectiveness of management interventions, produce results that are relevant to management, and engage with (and are accepted by) the community. Under Theme 3, we discuss why data management is critical and highlight that the costs of data curation, analysis and reporting need to be factored into budgets for monitoring programs. This requires that appropriate levels of funding are made available for monitoring programs, beyond just the cost of data collection - a key topic examined in Theme 4. We provide examples, often from Australia, to highlight the importance of each of the four themes. We recognize that these themes and topics in our checklist are often closely inter-related and therefore provide a conceptual model highlighting these linkages. We suggest that our checklist can help identify the parts of existing monitoring programs for threatened species and threatened ecosystems that are adequate for the purpose or may be deficient and need to be improved.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Lindenmayer
- National Environmental Science Program Threatened Species Recovery Hub, Fenner School of Environment and Society, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia.
| | - John Woinarski
- National Environmental Science Program Threatened Species Recovery Hub, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Sarah Legge
- National Environmental Science Program Threatened Species Recovery Hub, Fenner School of Environment and Society, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia; National Environmental Science Program Threatened Species Recovery Hub, Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - Darren Southwell
- National Environmental Science Program Threatened Species Recovery Hub, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Tyrone Lavery
- National Environmental Science Program Threatened Species Recovery Hub, Fenner School of Environment and Society, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | - Natasha Robinson
- National Environmental Science Program Threatened Species Recovery Hub, Fenner School of Environment and Society, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | - Ben Scheele
- National Environmental Science Program Threatened Species Recovery Hub, Fenner School of Environment and Society, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | - Brendan Wintle
- National Environmental Science Program Threatened Species Recovery Hub, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
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Rare or overlooked? The distribution of Hairy Jointgrass in north coast New South Wales, Australia, and implications for its conservation status. J Nat Conserv 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2020.125792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Comer S, Clausen L, Cowen S, Pinder J, Thomas A, Burbidge AH, Tiller C, Algar D, Speldewinde P. Integrating feral cat (Felis catus) control into landscape-scale introduced predator management to improve conservation prospects for threatened fauna: a case study from the south coast of Western Australia. WILDLIFE RESEARCH 2020. [DOI: 10.1071/wr19217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
ContextFeral cat predation has had a significant impact on native Australian fauna in the past 200 years. In the early 2000s, population monitoring of the western ground parrot showed a dramatic decline from the pre-2000 range, with one of three meta-populations declining to very low levels and a second becoming locally extinct. We review 8 years of integrated introduced predator control, which trialled the incorporation of the feral cat bait Eradicat® into existing fox baiting programs.
AimsTo test the efficacy of integrating feral cat control into an existing introduced predator control program in an adaptive management framework conducted in response to the decline of native species. The objective was to protect the remaining western ground parrot populations and other threatened fauna on the south coast of Western Australia.
MethodsA landscape-scale feral cat and fox baiting program was delivered across south coast reserves that were occupied by western ground parrots in the early 2000s. Up to 500000ha of national parks and natures reserves were baited per annum. Monitoring was established to evaluate both the efficacy of landscape-scale baiting in management of feral cat populations, and the response of several native fauna species, including the western ground parrot, to an integrated introduced predator control program.
Key resultsOn average, 28% of radio-collared feral cats died from Eradicat® baiting each year, over a 5-year period. The results varied from 0% to 62% between years. Changes in site occupancy by feral cats, as measured by detection on camera traps, was also variable, with significant declines detected after baiting in some years and sites. Trends in populations of native fauna, including the western ground parrot and chuditch, showed positive responses to integrated control of foxes and cats.
ImplicationsLandscape-scale baiting of feral cats in ecosystems on the south coast of Western Australia had varying success when measured by direct knockdown of cats and site occupancy as determined by camera trapping; however, native species appeared to respond favourably to integrated predator control. For the protection of native species, we recommend ongoing baiting for both foxes and feral cats, complemented by post-bait trapping of feral cats. We advocate monitoring baiting efficacy in a well designed adaptive management framework to deliver long-term recovery of threatened species that have been impacted by cats.
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Hartel T, Scheele BC, Vanak AT, Rozylowicz L, Linnell JDC, Ritchie EG. Mainstreaming human and large carnivore coexistence through institutional collaboration. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2019; 33:1256-1265. [PMID: 30997704 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.13334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2018] [Revised: 02/16/2019] [Accepted: 04/14/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Achieving coexistence between large carnivores and humans in human-dominated landscapes (HDLs) is a key challenge for societies globally. This challenge cannot be adequately met with the current sectoral approaches to HDL governance and an academic community largely dominated by disciplinary sectors. Academia (universities and other research institutions and organizations) should take a more active role in embracing societal challenges around conservation of large carnivores in HDLs by facilitating cross-sectoral cooperation to mainstream coexistence of humans and large carnivores. Drawing on lessons from populated regions of Europe, Asia, and South America with substantial densities of large carnivores, we suggest academia should better embrace the principles and methods of sustainability sciences and create institutional spaces for the implementation of transdisciplinary curricula and projects; reflect on research approaches (i.e., disciplinary, interdisciplinary, or transdisciplinary) they apply and how their outcomes could aid leveraging institutional transformations for mainstreaming; and engage with various institutions and stakeholder groups to create novel institutional structures that can respond to multiple challenges of HDL management and human-large carnivore coexistence. Success in mainstreaming this coexistence in HDL will rest on the ability to think and act cooperatively. Such a conservation achievement, if realized, stands to have far-reaching benefits for people and biodiversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tibor Hartel
- Hungarian Department of Biology and Ecology and Center of Systems Biology, Biodiversity and Bioresources (Center of '3B'), Babes-Bolyai University, Street Clinicilor 5-7, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Ben C Scheele
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, The Australian National University, Building 141, Linnaeus Way, Acton, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | - Abi Tamim Vanak
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation, ATREE, Bangalore, India
- Wellcome Trust/DBT India Alliance Program, Hyderabad, India
- School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Laurențiu Rozylowicz
- Centre for Environmental Research (CCMESI), University of Bucharest, 1 N. Balcescu, 010041, Bucharest, Romania
| | - John D C Linnell
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, P.O. Box 5685 Torgard, NO-7485, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Euan G Ritchie
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Centre for Integrative Ecology, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, 3125, Australia
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Hoeppner JM, Hughes L. Climate readiness of recovery plans for threatened Australian species. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2019; 33:534-542. [PMID: 30570177 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.13270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2018] [Accepted: 11/16/2018] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
The rapidly changing climate is posing growing threats for all species, but particularly for those already considered threatened. We reviewed 100 recovery plans for Australian terrestrial threatened species (50 fauna and 50 flora plans) written from 1997 to 2017. We recorded the number of plans that acknowledged climate change as a threat and of these how many proposed specific actions to ameliorate the threat. We classified these actions along a continuum from passive or incremental to active or interventionist. Overall, just under 60% of the sampled recovery plans listed climate change as a current or potential threat to the threatened taxa, and the likelihood of this acknowledgment increased over time. A far smaller proportion of the plans, however, identified specific actions associated with ameliorating climate risk (22%) and even fewer (9%) recommended any interventionist action in response to a climate-change-associated threat. Our results point to a disconnect between the knowledge generated on climate-change-related risk and potential adaptation strategies and the extent to which this knowledge has been incorporated into an important instrument of conservation action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanne Malin Hoeppner
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Lesley Hughes
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, 2109, Australia
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