Showing papers by "International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources published in 2017"
University of Vienna1, University of Oldenburg2, University College London3, Zoological Society of London4, International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources5, Lincoln University (New Zealand)6, Free University of Berlin7, Leibniz Association8, University of Auckland9, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic10, Stellenbosch University11, Charles University in Prague12, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens13, University of Fribourg14, University of Sassari15, University of Porto16, Sapienza University of Rome17, University of Konstanz18, Durham University19, University of Concepción20, Charles Darwin Foundation21, CABI22, University of Göttingen23, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ24, Martin Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg25, United States Forest Service26, Bielefeld University27, Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland28, Environment Agency29, National Museum of Natural History30, Institut national de la recherche agronomique31, University of Silesia in Katowice32
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors used a database of 45,813 first records of 16,926 established alien species and showed that the annual rate of first records worldwide has increased during the last 200 years, with 37% of all first records reported most recently (1970-2014).
Abstract: Although research on human-mediated exchanges of species has substantially intensified during the last centuries, we know surprisingly little about temporal dynamics of alien species accumulations across regions and taxa. Using a novel database of 45,813 first records of 16,926 established alien species, we show that the annual rate of first records worldwide has increased during the last 200 years, with 37% of all first records reported most recently (1970-2014). Inter-continental and inter-taxonomic variation can be largely attributed to the diaspora of European settlers in the nineteenth century and to the acceleration in trade in the twentieth century. For all taxonomic groups, the increase in numbers of alien species does not show any sign of saturation and most taxa even show increases in the rate of first records over time. This highlights that past efforts to mitigate invasions have not been effective enough to keep up with increasing globalization.
1,301 citations
University of the Basque Country1, University of Cambridge2, National Autonomous University of Mexico3, University of Córdoba (Spain)4, Corvinus University of Budapest5, University of Southern Denmark6, University of Gothenburg7, University of East Anglia8, Lund University9, University of Kiel10, United Nations11, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ12, University of Khartoum13, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology14, University of Washington15, University of Oxford16, Ministry of Forestry17, University College Dublin18, National University of Cordoba19, Carthage University20, University of Chile21, Harvard University22, Norwegian University of Life Sciences23, University of Pretoria24, University of Antwerp25, Wetlands International26, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro27, International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources28, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research29, University of Western Australia30, National University of General Sarmiento31, Calcutta Institute of Engineering and Management32, European Commission33, Government of Canada34, Finnish Environment Institute35, International Institute of Minnesota36, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro37, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro38, Victoria University of Wellington39, Indian Institute of Forest Management40, University of Tokyo41
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present the rationale for the inclusive valuation of nature's contributions to people (NCP) in decision making, as well as broad methodological steps for doing so, and argue that transformative practices aiming at sustainable futures would benefit from embracing such diversity, which require recognizing and addressing power relationships across stakeholder groups that hold different values on human nature-relations and NCP.
985 citations
Stanford University1, University of British Columbia2, University of Washington3, University of Guelph4, University of Saskatchewan5, American Museum of Natural History6, University of Victoria7, University of Wyoming8, University of Waterloo9, International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources10, Oregon State University11, Memorial University of Newfoundland12, Cornell University13, Colorado State University14, Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania15, Georgia State University16
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examine the scope and purpose of eighteen subfields of classic, interdisciplinary and applied conservation social sciences and articulates ten distinct contributions that the social sciences can make to understanding and improving conservation.
717 citations
Conservation International1, World Wide Fund for Nature2, Florida State University3, University of Queensland4, James Cook University5, Wildlife Conservation Society6, Rutgers University7, University of Cambridge8, Silver Spring Networks9, The Nature Conservancy10, Duke University11, Environmental Change Institute12, University of Hawaii at Manoa13, Stanford University14, World Conservation Monitoring Centre15, University College London16, International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources17
TL;DR: It is reported that many MPAs failed to meet thresholds for effective and equitable management processes, with widespread shortfalls in staff and financial resources; continued global expansion of MPAs without adequate investment in human and financial capacity is likely to lead to sub-optimal conservation outcomes.
Abstract: Marine protected areas (MPAs) are increasingly being used globally to conserve marine resources. However, whether many MPAs are being effectively and equitably managed, and how MPA management influences substantive outcomes remain unknown. We developed a global database of management and fish population data (433 and 218 MPAs, respectively) to assess: MPA management processes; the effects of MPAs on fish populations; and relationships between management processes and ecological effects. Here we report that many MPAs failed to meet thresholds for effective and equitable management processes, with widespread shortfalls in staff and financial resources. Although 71% of MPAs positively influenced fish populations, these conservation impacts were highly variable. Staff and budget capacity were the strongest predictors of conservation impact: MPAs with adequate staff capacity had ecological effects 2.9 times greater than MPAs with inadequate capacity. Thus, continued global expansion of MPAs without adequate investment in human and financial capacity is likely to lead to sub-optimal conservation outcomes.
604 citations
International Institute of Minnesota1, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro2, International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources3, World Resources Institute4, International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis5, Universidade Federal de Goiás6, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad7, University of Cambridge8, Indian Ministry of Environment and Forests9, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro10, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais11
TL;DR: Despite projections of a severe extinction event, a window of opportunity is now open for a mix of policies to avoid biodiversity collapse in the Cerrado hotspot.
Abstract: Despite projections of a severe extinction event, a window of opportunity is now open for a mix of policies to avoid biodiversity collapse in the Cerrado hotspot.
588 citations
University of Porto1, International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources2, University of Minho3, Technische Universität München4, University of Cambridge5, Spanish National Research Council6, Russian Academy of Sciences7, Buffalo State College8, Ghent University9, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague10, Mehmet Akif Ersoy University11, University of Zagreb12, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens13, University of Santiago de Compostela14, Swedish Museum of Natural History15, University of Belgrade16, American Museum of Natural History17, University of Latvia18, Mustafa Kemal University19, University of Kragujevac20, University of Jyväskylä21, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences22, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro23, Polish Academy of Sciences24
TL;DR: Greater international cooperation using standardized protocols and methods to monitor and manage European freshwater mussel diversity will not only help conserve this vulnerable group but also, through the protection of these important organisms, will offer wider benefits to freshwater ecosystems.
Abstract: Freshwater mussels of the Order Unionida provide important ecosystem functions and services, yet many of their populations are in decline. We comprehensively review the status of the 16 currently recognized species in Europe, collating for the first time their life-history traits, distribution, conservation status, habitat preferences, and main threats in order to suggest future management actions. In northern, central, and eastern Europe, a relatively homogeneous species composition is found in most basins. In southern Europe, despite the lower species richness, spatially restricted species make these basins a high conservation priority. Information on freshwater mussels in Europe is unevenly distributed with considerable differences in data quality and quantity among countries and species. To make conservation more effective in the future, we suggest greater international cooperation using standardized protocols and methods to monitor and manage European freshwater mussel diversity. Such an approach will not only help conserve this vulnerable group but also, through the protection of these important organisms, will offer wider benefits to freshwater ecosystems.
378 citations
Saint Louis University1, University of Northampton2, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences3, Missouri Department of Conservation4, National University of Singapore5, University of Bristol6, University of Sussex7, University of California, Berkeley8, University of Gothenburg9, University of Plymouth10, Oregon State University11, University of Illinois at Chicago12, University of California, Santa Cruz13, University of Reading14, International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources15, University of Edinburgh16, University of Melbourne17
TL;DR: It is argued that pollinators put high-priority and high-impact urban conservation within reach, and transforming how environmental managers view the city can improve citizen engagement and contribute to the development of more sustainable urbanization.
Abstract: Urban ecology research is changing how we view the biological value and ecological importance of cities. Lagging behind this revised image of the city are natural resource management agencies’ urban conservation programs that historically have invested in education and outreach rather than programs designed to achieve high-priority species conservation results. This essay synthesizes research on urban bee species diversity and abundance to suggest how urban conservation can be repositioned to better align with a newly unfolding image of urban landscapes. We argue that pollinators put high-priority and high-impact urban conservation within reach. In a rapidly urbanizing world, transforming how environmental managers view the city can improve citizen engagement while exploring more sustainable practices of urbanization.
363 citations
International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources1, University of British Columbia2, University of Washington3, University of Guelph4, University of Saskatchewan5, American Museum of Natural History6, University of Waterloo7, Oregon State University8, Cornell University9, Colorado State University10, Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania11, University of Victoria12, Memorial University of Newfoundland13, Georgia State University14
TL;DR: Mainstreaming the conservation social sciences will facilitate the uptake of the full range of insights and contributions from these fields into conservation policy and practice and enable more ecologically effective and socially just conservation.
Abstract: Despite broad recognition of the value of social sciences and increasingly vocal calls for better engagement with the human element of conservation, the conservation social sciences remain misunderstood and underutilized in practice. The conservation social sciences can provide unique and important contributions to society's understanding of the relationships between humans and nature and to improving conservation practice and outcomes. There are 4 barriers—ideological, institutional, knowledge, and capacity—to meaningful integration of the social sciences into conservation. We provide practical guidance on overcoming these barriers to mainstream the social sciences in conservation science, practice, and policy. Broadly, we recommend fostering knowledge on the scope and contributions of the social sciences to conservation, including social scientists from the inception of interdisciplinary research projects, incorporating social science research and insights during all stages of conservation planning and implementation, building social science capacity at all scales in conservation organizations and agencies, and promoting engagement with the social sciences in and through global conservation policy-influencing organizations. Conservation social scientists, too, need to be willing to engage with natural science knowledge and to communicate insights and recommendations clearly. We urge the conservation community to move beyond superficial engagement with the conservation social sciences. A more inclusive and integrative conservation science—one that includes the natural and social sciences—will enable more ecologically effective and socially just conservation. Better collaboration among social scientists, natural scientists, practitioners, and policy makers will facilitate a renewed and more robust conservation. Mainstreaming the conservation social sciences will facilitate the uptake of the full range of insights and contributions from these fields into conservation policy and practice.
316 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors analyze the scientific evidence regarding whether coral reefs, phytoplankton, kelp forests, and marine fauna are viable long-term carbon sinks and whether they can be managed for climate mitigation.
Abstract: The international scientific community is increasingly recognizing the role of natural systems in climate-change mitigation. While forests have historically been the primary focus of such efforts, coastal wetlands – particularly seagrasses, tidal marshes, and mangroves – are now considered important and effective long-term carbon sinks. However, some members of the coastal and marine policy and management community have been interested in expanding climate mitigation strategies to include other components within coastal and marine systems, such as coral reefs, phytoplankton, kelp forests, and marine fauna. We analyze the scientific evidence regarding whether these marine ecosystems and ecosystem components are viable long-term carbon sinks and whether they can be managed for climate mitigation. Our findings could assist decision makers and conservation practitioners in identifying which components of coastal and marine ecosystems should be prioritized in current climate mitigation strategies and policies.
293 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present a knowledge creation agenda for large-scale forest and landscape restoration (FLR) based on six broad policy goals, with several associated knowledge gaps for each goal.
Abstract: The global restoration movement is gaining momentum. International and national leaders are demonstrating unparalleled political will for achieving ambitious targets. However, the knowledge base for implementing large-scale forest and landscape restoration (FLR) needs further development. Besides application of scientific and local knowledge, a broad understanding of the social, economic, and environmental context in which this knowledge is being applied is also needed. To address knowledge gaps and guide implementation of FLR at local to global scales we propose a knowledge creation agenda that we derive from emerging policy goals. We present a holistic approach that addresses food security, ecosystem services, and livelihoods, and that supports implementation by a wide array of actors from farmers and municipalities to corporations and state agencies. Our knowledge creation agenda is based on six broad policy goals, with several associated knowledge gaps for each goal. We recognize that this agenda is simply a starting point and will surely evolve and become more locally focused as the concept of FLR gains ground and as multiple groups of stakeholders engage in the long-term process of restoring functionality and value to ecosystems and landscapes around the world.
292 citations
TL;DR: An overview of all known tree species by scientific name and country level distribution is presented, for the first time, and an online database—GlobalTreeSearch—that provides access to this information is described that will be used as the basis of the Global Tree Assessment.
Abstract: This article presents, for the first time, an overview of all known tree species by scientific name and country level distribution, and describes an online database—GlobalTreeSearch—that provides access to this information. Based on our comprehensive analysis of published data sources and expert input, the number of tree species currently known to science is 60,065, representing 20% of all angiosperm and gymnosperm plant species. Nearly half of all tree species (45%) are found in just 10 families, with the 3 most tree-rich families being Leguminosae, Rubiaceae, and Myrtaceae. Geographically, Brazil, Colombia, and Indonesia are the countries with the most tree species. The countries with the most country-endemic tree species reflect broader plant diversity trends (Brazil, Australia, China) or islands where isolation has resulted in speciation (Madagascar, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia). Nearly 58% of all tree species are single-country endemics. Our intention is for GlobalTreeSearch to be used as a t...
TL;DR: A global database of body masses for 27,647 vertebrate species indicates that the smallest- and largest-bodied vertebrates have elevated extinction risk, and reveals the vulnerability of large and small taxa, and identifies size-specific threats.
Abstract: Extinction risk in vertebrates has been linked to large body size, but this putative relationship has only been explored for select taxa, with variable results. Using a newly assembled and taxonomically expansive database, we analyzed the relationships between extinction risk and body mass (27,647 species) and between extinction risk and range size (21,294 species) for vertebrates across six main classes. We found that the probability of being threatened was positively and significantly related to body mass for birds, cartilaginous fishes, and mammals. Bimodal relationships were evident for amphibians, reptiles, and bony fishes. Most importantly, a bimodal relationship was found across all vertebrates such that extinction risk changes around a body mass breakpoint of 0.035 kg, indicating that the lightest and heaviest vertebrates have elevated extinction risk. We also found range size to be an important predictor of the probability of being threatened, with strong negative relationships across nearly all taxa. A review of the drivers of extinction risk revealed that the heaviest vertebrates are most threatened by direct killing by humans. By contrast, the lightest vertebrates are most threatened by habitat loss and modification stemming especially from pollution, agricultural cropping, and logging. Our results offer insight into halting the ongoing wave of vertebrate extinctions by revealing the vulnerability of large and small taxa, and identifying size-specific threats. Moreover, they indicate that, without intervention, anthropogenic activities will soon precipitate a double truncation of the size distribution of the world's vertebrates, fundamentally reordering the structure of life on our planet.
Monash University1, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic2, Leibniz Association3, University of Fribourg4, University of Porto5, University of Auckland6, The Lodge7, Global Biodiversity Information Facility8, Stellenbosch University9, Yale University10, International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources11
TL;DR: It is shown how this novel, synthetic approach to an observation system for alien species provides a tangible and attainable solution to delivering the information needed to slow the rate of new incursions and reduce the impacts of invaders.
UPRRP College of Natural Sciences1, National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research2, Duke University3, University of Oxford4, Marine Conservation Institute5, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration6, National Oceanography Centre7, University of Rhode Island8, St. John's University9, Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology10, University of Hawaii at Manoa11, Shirshov Institute of Oceanology12, Leibniz Institute of Marine Sciences13, University of the Azores14, Polish Academy of Sciences15, Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute16, University of Amsterdam17, International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources18, University of British Columbia19, University of Bergen20
TL;DR: A global biogeographic classification of the mesopelagic zone gives an indication of the spatial scale at which faunal communities are expected to be broadly similar in composition, and hence can inform application of ecosystem-based management approaches, marine spatial planning and the distribution and spacing of networks of representative protected areas.
Abstract: We have developed a global biogeographic classification of the mesopelagic zone to reflect the regional scales over which the ocean interior varies in terms of biodiversity and function An integrated approach was necessary, as global gaps in information and variable sampling methods preclude strictly statistical approaches A panel combining expertise in oceanography, geospatial mapping, and deep-sea biology convened to collate expert opinion on the distributional patterns of pelagic fauna relative to environmental proxies (temperature, salinity, and dissolved oxygen at mesopelagic depths) An iterative Delphi Method integrating additional biological and physical data was used to classify biogeographic ecoregions and to identify the location of ecoregion boundaries or inter-regions gradients We define 33 global mesopelagic ecoregions Of these, 20 are oceanic while 13 are ‘distant neritic’ While each is driven by a complex of controlling factors, the putative primary driver of each ecoregion was identified While work remains to be done to produce a comprehensive and robust mesopelagic biogeography (ie, reflecting temporal variation), we believe that the classification set forth in this study will prove to be a useful and timely input to policy planning and management for conservation of deep-pelagic marine resources In particular, it gives an indication of the spatial scale at which faunal communities are expected to be broadly similar in composition, and hence can inform application of ecosystem-based management approaches, marine spatial planning and the distribution and spacing of networks of representative protected areas
TL;DR: Wang et al. as mentioned in this paper suggest structural adjustment based on integrative research, practical strategies to alleviate administrative conflicts, increased engagement of local communities, transparent allocation of conservation funding, strengthened supervision and penalty mechanisms for destructive activities, and improved large-scale designation to coordinate demands of conservation and socioeconomic development.
TL;DR: The PREDICTS project as discussed by the authors provides a large, reasonably representative database of comparable samples of biodiversity from multiple sites that differ in the nature or intensity of human impacts relating to land use.
Abstract: The PREDICTS project—Projecting Responses of Ecological Diversity In Changing Terrestrial Systems (www.predicts.org.uk)—has collated from published studies a large, reasonably representative database of comparable samples of biodiversity from multiple sites that differ in the nature or intensity of human impacts relating to land use. We have used this evidence base to develop global and regional statistical models of how local biodiversity responds to these measures. We describe and make freely available this 2016 release of the database, containing more than 3.2 million records sampled at over 26,000 locations and representing over 47,000 species. We outline how the database can help in answering a range of questions in ecology and conservation biology. To our knowledge, this is the largest and most geographically and taxonomically representative database of spatial comparisons of biodiversity that has been collated to date; it will be useful to researchers and international efforts wishing to model and understand the global status of biodiversity.
International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources1, University of New South Wales2, International Institute for Environment and Development3, Lancaster University4, Wildlife Conservation Society5, University of Edinburgh6, University of Oxford7, University of Kent8, University of Queensland9, Stellenbosch University10
TL;DR: In this article, a conceptual framework is proposed to guide efforts to effectively combat illegal wildlife trade through actions at community level, based on articulating the net costs and benefits involved in supporting conservation versus supporting IWT and how these incentives are shaped by anti-IWT interventions.
Abstract: Combating the surge of illegal wildlife trade (IWT) devastating wildlife populations is an urgent global priority for conservation. There are increasing policy commitments to take action at the local community level as part of effective responses. However, there is scarce evidence that in practice such interventions are being pursued and there is scant understanding regarding how they can help. Here we set out a conceptual framework to guide efforts to effectively combat IWT through actions at community level. This framework is based on articulating the net costs and benefits involved in supporting conservation versus supporting IWT, and how these incentives are shaped by anti-IWT interventions. Using this framework highlights the limitations of an exclusive focus on "top-down," enforcement-led responses to IWT. These responses can distract from a range of other approaches that shift incentives for local people toward supporting conservation rather than IWT, as well as in some cases actually decrease the net incentives in favor of wildlife conservation.
Zoological Society of London1, Wildlife Conservation Society2, University College London3, Panthera Corporation4, Montana State University5, University of Oxford6, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University7, Indian Ministry of Environment and Forests8, University of Béjaïa9, KORA Organics10, International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources11, Kenya Wildlife Service12, Endangered Wildlife Trust13, University of Namibia14, Leiden University15, The Heritage Foundation16, Cheetah Conservation Fund17, Leibniz Association18, Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute19, National Park Service20, National University of Benin21
TL;DR: This analysis shows dramatic declines of cheetah across its distributional range, supporting an uplisting of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List threat assessment to endangered.
Abstract: Establishing and maintaining protected areas (PAs) are key tools for biodiversity conservation. However, this approach is insufficient for many species, particularly those that are wide-ranging and sparse. The cheetah Acinonyx jubatus exemplifies such a species and faces extreme challenges to its survival. Here, we show that the global population is estimated at ∼7,100 individuals and confined to 9% of its historical distributional range. However, the majority of current range (77%) occurs outside of PAs, where the species faces multiple threats. Scenario modeling shows that, where growth rates are suppressed outside PAs, extinction rates increase rapidly as the proportion of population protected declines. Sensitivity analysis shows that growth rates within PAs have to be high if they are to compensate for declines outside. Susceptibility of cheetah to rapid decline is evidenced by recent rapid contraction in range, supporting an uplisting of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List threat assessment to endangered. Our results are applicable to other protection-reliant species, which may be subject to systematic underestimation of threat when there is insufficient information outside PAs. Ultimately, conserving many of these species necessitates a paradigm shift in conservation toward a holistic approach that incentivizes protection and promotes sustainable human–wildlife coexistence across large multiple-use landscapes.
Royal Botanic Gardens1, Salisbury University2, National Academy of Sciences3, University College London4, UPRRP College of Natural Sciences5, International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources6, University of Yaoundé I7, University of Bucharest8, Kathmandu9, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds10
TL;DR: The IPA rationale and progress on IPA identification to date is reviewed, including the perceived limitations of the process and how these may be overcome, and a revised set of criteria for use globally is presented.
Abstract: Despite the severe threats to plant habitats and high levels of extinction risk for plant species in many parts of the world, plant conservation priorities are often poorly represented in national and global frameworks because of a lack of data in an accessible and consistent format to inform conservation decision making. The Important Plant Areas (IPAs) criteria system offers a pragmatic yet scientifically rigorous means of delivering these datasets, enabling informed national- or regional-scale conservation prioritisation, and contributing significantly towards global prioritisation systems including the International Union for Conservation of Nature Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) Standard. In this paper, we review the IPA rationale and progress on IPA identification to date, including the perceived limitations of the process and how these may be overcome. We then present a revised set of criteria for use globally, developed through the combined experiences of IPA identification over the past decade and a half and through a recent global consultation process. An overview of how the revised IPA criteria can work alongside the newly published KBA Standard is also provided. IPA criteria are based around a sound, scientific, global framework which acknowledges the practical problems of gathering plant and habitat data in many regions of the world, and recognises the role of peer reviewed expert opinion in the selection process. National and sub-national engagement in IPA identification is essential, providing a primary route towards long term conservation of key sites for plant diversity. The IPA criteria can be applied to the conservation of all organism groups within the plant and fungal kingdoms.
TL;DR: The results provide an important baseline for identifying islands for invasive species eradication and other island conservation actions that reduce biodiversity loss, and could benefit 39% of Earth’s highly threatened vertebrates.
Abstract: Global biodiversity loss is disproportionately rapid on islands, where invasive species are a major driver of extinctions. To inform conservation planning aimed at preventing extinctions, we identify the distribution and biogeographic patterns of highly threatened terrestrial vertebrates (classified by the International Union for Conservation of Nature) and invasive vertebrates on ~465,000 islands worldwide by conducting a comprehensive literature review and interviews with more than 500 experts. We found that 1189 highly threatened vertebrate species (319 amphibians, 282 reptiles, 296 birds, and 292 mammals) breed on 1288 islands. These taxa represent only 5% of Earth's terrestrial vertebrates and 41% of all highly threatened terrestrial vertebrates, which occur in <1% of islands worldwide. Information about invasive vertebrates was available for 1030 islands (80% of islands with highly threatened vertebrates). Invasive vertebrates were absent from 24% of these islands, where biosecurity to prevent invasions is a critical management tool. On the 76% of islands where invasive vertebrates were present, management could benefit 39% of Earth's highly threatened vertebrates. Invasive mammals occurred in 97% of these islands, with Rattus sp. as the most common invasive vertebrate (78%; 609 islands). Our results provide an important baseline for identifying islands for invasive species eradication and other island conservation actions that reduce biodiversity loss.
Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation1, Australian National University2, Lüneburg University3, University of Grenoble4, Center for International Forestry Research5, Centre national de la recherche scientifique6, French Institute for Research in Computer Science and Automation7, University College London8, International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources9, Agro ParisTech10, Wildlife Conservation Society11, Conservation International12, University of Sydney13
TL;DR: The TARA approach represents a means for achieving changes in institutions and governance needed to support transformative adaptation and provides a future-oriented approach to evaluation and use of ecosystem services, a dynamic, grounded understanding of governance and decision-making and a logical, sequential approach that connects decisions over time.
Duke University1, University of Southampton2, National Autonomous University of Mexico3, International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources4, Macquarie University5, University of California, San Diego6, University College London7, University of Western Brittany8, University of Hawaii at Manoa9, London School of Economics and Political Science10
TL;DR: Van Dover, CL; Ardron, JA; Escobar, E; Gianni, M; Gjerde, KM; Jaeckel, A; Jones, DOB; Levin, LA; Niner, HJ; Pendleton, L; Smith, CR; Thiele, T; Turner, PJ; and Watling, L. as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: Author(s): van Dover, CL; Ardron, JA; Escobar, E; Gianni, M; Gjerde, KM; Jaeckel, A; Jones, DOB; Levin, LA; Niner, HJ; Pendleton, L; Smith, CR; Thiele, T; Turner, PJ; Watling, L; Weaver, PPE
TL;DR: A theory of change (ToC) is developed to guide policy makers, donors, and practitioners in partnering with communities to combat IWT and can be used to foster dialogue among IWT stakeholders to develop a more effective, holistic, and sustainable community-based response to the IWT crisis.
Abstract: The escalating illegal wildlife trade (IWT) is one of the most high-profile conservation challenges today. The crisis has attracted over US$350 million in donor and government funding in recent years, primarily directed at increased enforcement. There is growing recognition among practitioners and policy makers of the need to engage rural communities that neighbor or live with wildlife as key partners in tackling IWT. However, a framework to guide such community engagement is lacking. We developed a theory of change (ToC) to guide policy makers, donors, and practitioners in partnering with communities to combat IWT. We identified 4 pathways for community-level actions: strengthen disincentives for illegal behavior, increase incentives for wildlife stewardship, decrease costs of living with wildlife, and support livelihoods that are not related to wildlife. To succeed the pathways, all require strengthening of enabling conditions, including capacity building, and of governance. Our ToC serves to guide actions to tackle IWT and to inform the evaluation of policies. Moreover, it can be used to foster dialogue among IWT stakeholders, from local communities to governments and international donors, to develop a more effective, holistic, and sustainable community-based response to the IWT crisis.
TL;DR: Invasive alien species are a major problem for managers of protected areas (PAs) worldwide as mentioned in this paper, and the status and macro-ecological patterns of alien plant invasions, threats that invasive alien plants pose and the impacts detected to date, current focus of invasion science in PAs, and research priorities for advancing science-based management and policy.
Abstract: Invasive alien species are a major problem for managers of protected areas (PAs) worldwide. Until the 1980s biological invasions were widely considered to be largely confined to anthropogenically disturbed sites and the widespread disruption of ecosystems in PAs by invasive species was not globally perceived as a major threat. A working group of the SCOPE program on biological invasions in the 1980s showed that PAs are not spared from major disruptive effects of invasions. Early research focused on descriptive studies of the extent to which PAs were invaded. More recent research explored drivers of invasion, and in the last decade much work has focused on understanding the impacts of invasions. We review the current understanding of alien plant invasions in PAs, focusing on four themes: (1) the status and macroecological patterns of alien plant invasions; (2) the threats that invasive alien plants (IAPs) pose and the impacts detected to date; (3) the current focus of invasion science in PAs; and (4) research priorities for advancing science-based management and policy. Of a sample of 59 widespread IAP species from a representative sample of 135 PAs globally, trees make up the largest proportion (32%), followed by perennial herbs (17%) and shrubs (15%). About 1857 papers have been published on alien species in PAs; 45% have focused on alien plants. Some textbook examples of impacts by IAPs originate from PAs, illustrating the severe threat to the core function of PAs. Impacts have been quantified at the species and community levels through the displacement and alteration of habitats. In some cases, native species abundance, diversity and estimated species richness have been altered, but reversed following control. At an ecosystem level, invasive plants have radically altered fire regimes in several PAs, in some cases causing regime shifts and transforming woodlands or savannas to grasslands. Invasions have also had a major impact on nutrient cycles. Protected areas are performing an increasingly important part of the global response to stem the rate of environmental change. Despite this, integrated efforts involving science, management and policy that are sufficiently resourced to generate insights on the status and dynamics of IAPs in PAs are insufficient or even lacking. Such efforts are needed to pave the way for monitoring trends, revising legislation and policies, and improving management interventions to reduce the extent and magnitude of impacts of invasive plants in PAs. While policy instruments to support management of non-native species date back to the 1930s, there has been a substantial increase in legislative support and general awareness since the early 2000s. Still, opportunities to improve research for PAs need to be created. Towards this goal, the establishment of a global PA research network could provide a unique vehicle to explore questions across species or functional groups and systems, at a scale currently beyond existing abilities. Developing an integrated global database with standardized, quantitative information could form part of such a networks function.
Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn1, Spanish National Research Council2, ENEA3, National Oceanography Centre, Southampton4, International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources5, Newcastle University6, Norwegian Institute for Water Research7, University of Hawaii8, Memorial University of Newfoundland9, Jacobs University Bremen10, Duke University11
TL;DR: This work proposes a strategy that builds from existing infrastructures to address research and monitoring needs to inform governments and regulators of the need for deep-ocean protection.
Abstract: Increasing exploration and industrial exploitation of the vast and fragile deep-ocean environment for a wide range of resources (e.g., oil, gas, fisheries, new molecules, and soon, minerals) raises global concerns about potential ecological impacts ( 1 – 3 ). Multiple impacts on deep-sea ecosystems (>200 m below sea level; ∼65% of the Earth's surface is covered by deep ocean) caused by human activities may act synergistically and span extensive areas. Cumulative impacts could eventually cause regime shifts and alter deep-ocean life-support services, such as the biological pump or nutrient recycling ( 2 , 4 , 5 ). Although international law and national legislation largely ignore the deep sea's critical role in the functioning and buffering of planetary systems, there are promising developments in support of deep-sea protection at the United Nations and the International Seabed Authority (ISA). We propose a strategy that builds from existing infrastructures to address research and monitoring needs to inform governments and regulators.
United States Department of Agriculture1, University of Freiburg2, University of Otago3, University of Oxford4, Institute for Animal Health5, Wildlife Conservation Society6, J. Craig Venter Institute7, Texas A&M University8, University of New England (United States)9, Universidad Nacional Federico Villarreal10, International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources11
TL;DR: It is argued that rapid, large-scale engagement by the conservation community with practitioners of synthetic biology is urgently needed to avoid unintended and deleterious ecological consequences.
Abstract: Evidence indicates that, despite some critical successes, current conservation approaches are not slowing the overall rate of biodiversity loss. The field of synthetic biology, which is capable of altering natural genomes with extremely precise editing, might offer the potential to resolve some intractable conservation problems (e.g., invasive species or pathogens). However, it is our opinion that there has been insufficient engagement by the conservation community with practitioners of synthetic biology. We contend that rapid, large-scale engagement of these two communities is urgently needed to avoid unintended and deleterious ecological consequences. To this point we describe case studies where synthetic biology is currently being applied to conservation, and we highlight the benefits to conservation biologists from engaging with this emerging technology.
TL;DR: The Think Tank on the Human Dimensions of Large Scale Marine Protected Areas (ThinkTank on Human dimensions of LSMPAs) as discussed by the authors was a global effort to co-produce knowledge and re-orient practice on the human dimensions of large-scale marine conservation.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors used two globally consistent data sets that assess changes in human pressure (Human Footprint) and forest loss (Global Forest Watch) over time across the global network of terrestrial natural world heritage sites (NWHS).
British Trust for Ornithology1, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds2, International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources3, University of Cambridge4, BirdLife International5, University College London6, Imperial College London7, Stellenbosch University8, Joint Nature Conservation Committee9
TL;DR: This is the first quantitative global assessment of the relative collision vulnerability of species groups with wind turbines, providing valuable guidance for minimizing potentially serious negative impacts on biodiversity.
Abstract: Mitigation of anthropogenic climate change involves deployments of renewable energy worldwide, including wind farms, which can pose a significant collision risk to volant animals. Most studies into the collision risk between species and wind turbines, however, have taken place in industrialized countries. Potential effects for many locations and species therefore remain unclear. To redress this gap, we conducted a systematic literature review of recorded collisions between birds and bats and wind turbines within developed countries. We related collision rate to species-level traits and turbine characteristics to quantify the potential vulnerability of 9538 bird and 888 bat species globally. Avian collision rate was affected by migratory strategy, dispersal distance and habitat associations, and bat collision rates were influenced by dispersal distance. For birds and bats, larger turbine capacity (megawatts) increased collision rates; however, deploying a smaller number of large turbines with greater energy output reduced total collision risk per unit energy output, although bat mortality increased again with the largest turbines. Areas with high concentrations of vulnerable species were also identified, including migration corridors. Our results can therefore guide wind farm design and location to reduce the risk of large-scale animal mortality. This is the first quantitative global assessment of the relative collision vulnerability of species groups with wind turbines, providing valuable guidance for minimizing potentially serious negative impacts on biodiversity.
Office of Environment and Heritage1, Australian Museum2, Conservation International3, University of Hong Kong4, The Nature Conservancy5, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation6, International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources7, Charles Sturt University8, United Nations Environment Programme9, Griffith University10, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research11, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University12, Australian National University13, Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies14, Stellenbosch University15, Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences16
TL;DR: This article identified 22 priority activities for freshwater biodiversity assessment for 2020 and 2030, based on the Essential Biodiversity Variables (EBV) framework, which include: a globally systematic approach to collecting and assessing species data, collating existing and new data within global platforms, coordinated effort towards mapping wetland extent at high spatial resolution, linking in-situ data to modelling across regions, and mobilising citizen science for the collection and verification of data.