z-logo
open-access-imgOpen Access
Informing management of rare species with an approach combining scenario modeling and spatially explicit risk assessment
Author(s) -
Duggan Jennifer M.,
Eichelberger Bradley A.,
Ma Shan,
Lawler Joshua J.,
Ziv Guy
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
ecosystem health and sustainability
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.956
H-Index - 21
ISSN - 2332-8878
DOI - 10.1890/ehs14-0009.1
Subject(s) - habitat , environmental resource management , adaptive management , wildlife , land management , digging , wildlife management , population , risk management , rare species , computer science , geography , ecology , land use , environmental planning , environmental science , business , biology , demography , archaeology , finance , sociology
Wildlife managers are tasked with identifying and managing stressors that threaten persistence of populations. We demonstrate an approach to land‐use planning that combines scenario modeling and ecological risk assessment to map and quantify risk to population persistence for three rare prairie species in Washington State, USA. Following corroboration of model output, we found that of the management scenarios considered, only a scenario with year‐round restrictions on use of off‐road vehicles, digging, and camping enforced in all potential habitat reduces risk to the species. Decreased risk is focused primarily in two patches of prairie habitat in our study area, indicating stringent restrictions need not be applied broadly. However, one area is not easily accessed by two of the three species considered, suggesting reintroductions to suitable but inaccessible habitat may play an important role in management of these species. Our analyses suggest changes in land use and management that might improve habitat for rare species, with options for minimizing monetary and social costs. Because the proposed approach relies on hypothetical management scenarios and uses a model flexible in data requirements to provide spatially explicit output, it can be used to inform adaptive management of rare species in diverse land‐planning processes and will be especially useful when management decisions must be made under time or cost constraints.

The content you want is available to Zendy users.

Already have an account? Click here to sign in.
Having issues? You can contact us here