A systematic approach for selecting focal species for conservation in the forests of Nova Scotia and Maine

Abstract

Focal species are a critical component of conservation planning, along with representation of ecosystems, special elements and ecologically sustainable management. They warrant conservation attention because they are functionally important, wide-ranging or space-demanding, habitat-quality indicators, ‘flagship’, and/or vulnerable or special populations. A delphi survey matrix-based approach, involving regional experts in the selection of potential focal species, was applied in Nova Scotia, Canada and Maine, USA. Matrices with native species on one axis and selection characteristics on the other axis were used to summarize expert knowledge and judgment. Characteristics were related to biological traits and habitat requirements that make some species more vulnerable than others in human-modified landscapes. In Nova Scotia and Maine, 19 and 11 experts, respectively, completed the matrices, which were subsequently numerically assessed. Species with the highest scores were identified as potential focal species, including wolf, cougar, lynx, river otter, eastern pipistrelle, wood turtle, four-toed salamander, golden eagle and Atlantic salmon. Concerns remain around the lack of representation of some classes of species, subjectivity in selecting and weighting characteristics, and the relative nature of assessing species against the characteristics. Accordingly, potential focal species should be subject to verification through more rigorous and quantitative analysis and monitoring. Nonetheless, if applied with care, the matrix-based approach can provide a relatively systematic and effective way of engaging regional experts in focal species selection.

Ecological networks as a new approach for nature conservation in Turkey: A case study of İzmir Province

“…This study focused on large carnivore mammals as the target species to develop ecological networks since these are key species in nature conservation and management (Beier, 1993;Klaver, 2003;LaRue and Nielsen, 2008;Bruinderink et al, 2003;Wikramanayake et al, 2003;Kerley et al, 2003;Beazley and Cardinal, 2004). Management plans focused on these species, and the design of reserves to protect them, may also help to preserve many other species and the overall health of natural ecosystems (Palomares, 2001;Noss et al, 1996).…”

“…These KBAs are home to the top four predators species that deserve considerable conservation attention, because they are functionally important species in the ecosystem and habitat-quality indicators (Beazley and Cardinal, 2004). Therefore, protection of diversity of the natural landscapes and ecosystems is crucially related to sustainable protection of these species.…”

“…They warrant more conservation attention because they are functionally important and/or vulnerable to landscape modifications (Beazley and Cardinal, 2004). Identification of target species (particularly wide-ranging animals) is the major challenge in this study because using them requires consistent and detailed information concerning both distribution and abundance of such species; while reliable data are not available even for the whole of Turkey (Can, 2004).…”

Municipal and regional habitat connectivity planning

“…A more robust and replicable analysis would take a more systematic approach that draws on a greater variety of home range sizes and habitat types (e.g. Beazley & Cardinal, 2004).…”

An evaluation framework based on sustainability-related indicators for the comparison of conceptual approaches for ecological networks

“…The concept of a focal species designates one species whose needs, in regards to its habitat, encompass those of several other species thus allowing the protection of key habitats for the conservation of ecological processes (Beazley and Cardinal, 2004;Nicholson et al, 2013). Focal species are often species with large home ranges and for which there is a particular economic or social interest for conservation (e.g.…”