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Bennett AM, Steiner J, Carstairs S, Gielens A, Davy CM. A question of scale: Replication and the effective evaluation of conservation interventions. Facets (Ott) 2017. [DOI: 10.1139/facets-2017-0010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Conservation interventions can keep critically endangered species from going extinct and stabilize threatened populations. The species-specific, case-by-case approaches and small sample sizes inherent to applied conservation measures are not well suited to scientific evaluations of outcomes. Debates about whether a method “works” become entrenched in a vote-counting framework. Furthermore, population-level replication is rare but necessary for disentangling the effects of an intervention from other drivers of population change. Turtle headstarting is a conservation tool that has attracted strong opinions but little robust data. Logistical limitations, such as those imposed by the long lives of turtles, have slowed experimental evaluation and constrained the use of replication or experimental controls. Headstarting project goals vary among projects and stakeholders, and success is not always explicitly defined. To facilitate robust evaluations, we provide direction for data collection and reporting to guide the application of conservation interventions in logistically challenging systems. We offer recommendations for standardized data collection that allow their valuable results to contribute to the development of best practices, regardless of the magnitude of the project. An evidence-based and collaborative approach will lead to improved program design and reporting, and will facilitate constructive evaluation of interventions both within and among conservation programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda M. Bennett
- Biology Department, Trent University, 2140 East Bank Drive, Peterborough, ON K9J 7B8, Canada
- Wildlife Preservation Canada, 5420 Highway 6 North, Guelph, ON N1H 6J2, Canada
| | - Jessica Steiner
- Wildlife Preservation Canada, 5420 Highway 6 North, Guelph, ON N1H 6J2, Canada
| | - Sue Carstairs
- Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre, 4-1434 Chemong Road, Selwyn, ON K9J 6X2, Canada
| | - Andrea Gielens
- Wildlife Preservation Canada, 5420 Highway 6 North, Guelph, ON N1H 6J2, Canada
| | - Christina M. Davy
- Wildlife Research and Monitoring Section, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, 2140 East Bank Drive, Peterborough, ON K9J 7B8, Canada
- Environmental and Life Sciences, Trent University, 1600 West Bank Drive, Peterborough, ON K9J 7B8, Canada
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