Authors

A. M. Benscoter; J. S. Reece; R. F. Noss; L. A. Brandt; F. J. Mazzotti; S. S. Romanach;J. I. Watling

Comments

Authors: contact us about adding a copy of your work at [email protected]

Abbreviated Journal Title

PLoS One

Keywords

EXTINCTION RISK; CLIMATE-CHANGE; FLORIDA PANTHER; CONSERVATION; MODELS; BIODIVERSITY; BONFERRONI; DISPERSAL; IMPACTS; CHALLENGES; Multidisciplinary Sciences

Abstract

The presence of multiple interacting threats to biodiversity and the increasing rate of species extinction make it critical to prioritize management efforts on species and communities that maximize conservation success. We implemented a multi-step approach that coupled vulnerability assessments evaluating threats to Florida taxa such as climate change, sea-level rise, and habitat fragmentation with in-depth literature surveys of taxon-specific ecological traits. The vulnerability, adaptive capacity, and ecological traits of 12 threatened and endangered subspecies were compared to non-listed subspecies of the same parent species. Overall, the threatened and endangered subspecies showed high vulnerability and low adaptive capacity, in particular to sea level rise and habitat fragmentation. They also exhibited larger home ranges and greater dispersal limitation compared to non-endangered subspecies, which may inhibit their ability to track changing climate in fragmented landscapes. There was evidence for lower reproductive capacity in some of the threatened or endangered taxa, but not for most. Taxa located in the Florida Keys or in other low coastal areas were most vulnerable to sea level rise, and also showed low levels of adaptive capacity, indicating they may have a lower probability of conservation success. Our analysis of at-risk subspecies and closely related non-endangered subspecies demonstrates that ecological traits help to explain observed differences in vulnerability and adaptive capacity. This study points to the importance of assessing the relative contributions of multiple threats and evaluating conservation value at the species (or subspecies) level when resources are limited and several factors affect conservation success.

Journal Title

Plos One

Volume

8

Issue/Number

8

Publication Date

1-1-2013

Document Type

Article

Language

English

First Page

10

WOS Identifier

WOS:000324465000108

ISSN

1932-6203

Download

Share

COinS
 

Accessibility Statement

This item was created or digitized prior to April 24, 2027, or is a reproduction of legacy media created before that date. It is preserved in its original, unmodified state specifically for research, reference, or historical recordkeeping. In accordance with the ADA Title II Final Rule, the University Libraries provides accessible versions of archival materials upon request. To request an accommodation for this item, please submit an accessibility request form.