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Redefining baselines in endangered species recovery
Author(s) -
Jachowski David S.,
Kesler Dylan C.,
Steen David A.,
Walters Jeffrey R.
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
the journal of wildlife management
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.94
H-Index - 111
eISSN - 1937-2817
pISSN - 0022-541X
DOI - 10.1002/jwmg.800
Subject(s) - endangered species , reinterpretation , wildlife , baseline (sea) , environmental resource management , biodiversity , wildlife management , umbrella species , adaptive management , ecology , geography , environmental ethics , environmental planning , habitat , fishery , biology , environmental science , philosophy , physics , acoustics
Baselines rooted in historical records or concepts of previous conditions are necessarily used to identify and generate recovery goals for endangered species. However, strict adherence to various spatial, temporal, and genetic baselines can limit endangered species recovery actions, success, and the broader conservation of biodiversity. Recent approaches that deviate from historical baselines such as assisted colonization and intentional hybridization have been used to facilitate recovery but lack broad acceptance and an underpinning conceptual framework to guide their use in practice. We here present a novel framework for addressing when baseline‐abandoning approaches should be implemented that requires both scientific input and management‐defined thresholds. We submit that in cases where species face extreme endangerment and managers have little chance of reducing or ameliorating future threats within a species' historical range, it is better to embrace a more flexible recovery model that includes taking action that deviates from historical baselines. Embracing this reinterpretation of management baselines not only has the potential to advance endangered species recovery but could have important cascading effects on ecosystem‐based approaches to conservation. Further, rethinking adherences to baselines can affect our broader social–psychological relationship with wildlife conservation and management. Overall, although historical data on baseline conditions will remain vital to the initial setting of recovery goals, many situations will require more dynamic interpretations of paths to recovering endangered species. © 2014 The Wildlife Society.