Fast, slow, and adaptive management of habitat modification–invasion interactions: woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus)

Abstract

Citation: Wilman, E. A., and E. N. Wilman. 2017. Fast, slow, and adaptive management of habitat modification-invasion interactions: woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus). Ecosphere 8(10):e01970. 10. 1002/ecs2.1970 Abstract. Woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus) are declining throughout much of their North American range. In Alberta, industrial development is the major driver for the disturbance to caribou habitat and ecosystem dynamics involving the invasion of other ungulates and predators. Non-linear predation increases the chances of extirpation. Reversing the decline of an individual herd requires some combination of habitat protection, slow habitat restoration, and control of the faster-to-adjust invading ungulates and/ or predators. To explain the ecosystem dynamics affecting the decline, and its potential reversal, we develop a mathematical ecological model that incorporates the interactive effects within and between trophic levels, between slow and fast ecosystem variables, and includes non-linearity. The most effective mix of fast variable controls depends on the relationships among caribou, predators, and their primary prey. Uncertainties create challenges. Even if fast variable controls improve caribou numbers, habitat restoration is necessary to permanently reverse the decline of an individual herd. However, the outcomes of habitat restoration actions are highly uncertain. Uncertainty is addressed at the provincial scale by combining the model with active adaptive management, and the closely related real options approach, which both guarantees against the worst outcome of provincial extirpation and allows further development if restoration activities are successful.

Temporal road closures improve habitat quality for wildlife

“…Conservation actions that reduce anthropogenic effects on wildlife include establishment of protected areas 25,26 , de-activation of roads 5 , modifying resource extraction practices 27 , and establishment of wildlife corridors 28,29 . Even small-scale conservation actions have potential to improve habitat quality and connectivity in areas that are pinch points to movement or are located in critical habitat such as around den sites.…”