Open AccessGrassland Conservation and the Plains-wanderer: A Small Brown Bird Makes an Effective Local Flagship
Author(s) -
Kyla Johnstone,
Kelly K. Miller,
Mark Antos
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
conservation and society/conservation and society
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.04
H-Index - 35
eISSN - 0975-3133
pISSN - 0972-4923
DOI - 10.4103/0972-4923.179882
Subject(s) - flagship species , grassland , geography , agroforestry , environmental resource management , resource (disambiguation) , ecology , endangered species , habitat , biology , computer network , environmental science , computer science
This study explored whether the plains-wanderer (Pedionomus torquatus), a species lacking the criteria outlined in the traditional flagship model, is a suitable local flagship for the Northern Plains Grasslands of Victoria in Australia. Questionnaires and telephone interviews were used to survey residents and natural resource management professionals and volunteers ('NRM participants') in communities living close to the Northern Plains Grasslands. Questionnaires were completed by 146 residents and 69 NRM participants, and 15 interviews were conducted. Results suggest that a significant proportion of the local community was aware of, and valued, the plains-wanderer, and that the species is currently functioning as an effective flagship for the region. Recommendations are provided for the future selection of flagship species in ecosystems where traditional flagships are not present