Nodes, networks, and MUMs: Preserving diversity at all scales

Abstract

ABSTRACT/The present focus of practical conservation efforts is limited in scope. This narrowness results in an inability to evaluate and manage phenomena that operate at large spatiotemporal scales. Whereas real ecological phenomena function in a space-time mosaic across a full hierarchy of biological entities and processes, current conservation strategies address a limited spectrum of this complexity. Conservation typically is static (time-limited), concentrates on the habitat content rather than the landscape context of protected areas, evaluates relatively homogeneous communities instead of heterogeneous landscapes, and directs attention to particular species populations and/or the aggregate statistic of species diversity. Insufficient attention has been given to broad ecological patterns and processes and to the conservation of species in natural relative abundance patterns (native diversity).The authors present a conceptual scheme that evaluates not only habitat content within protected areas, but also the landscape context in which each preserve exists. Nodes of concentrated ecological value exist in each landscape at all levels in the biological hierarchy. Integration of these highquality nodes into a functional network is possible through the establishment of a system of interconnected multiple-use modules (MUMs). The MUM network protects and buffers important ecological entities and phenomena, while encouraging movement of individuals, species, nutrients, energy, and even habitat patches across space and time. An example is presented for the southeastern USA (south Georgia-north Florida), that uses riparian and coastal corridors to interconnect existing protected areas. This scheme will facilitate reintroduction and preservation of wide-ranging species such as the Florida panther, and help reconcile species-level and ecosystem-level conservation approaches.

Discovery of Two Critically Endangered Tree Species and Issues Related to Relic Forests of the Western Ghats

“…Studies show decline of forest birds [19], large wide ranging species [20] and more specifically specialised species [21] that require unique habitat for survival. It also influences distribution and availability of spatial resources, forest connectivity and edge characteristics, which are important for species persistence [22][23][24]. Also, trees in the fragmented habitats have higher annual tree mortality rates due to vagaries of wind [25].…”

Conservation assessment for the northern goshawk in southeast Alaska.

“…Static habitat reserves-The concept of habitat conservation areas (HCAs), or reserves of protected habitat distributed across the landscape, is a management approach with a long history in wildlife conservation (Diamond 1975(Diamond , 1976Harris 1984;Noss and Harris 1986;Thomas et al 1990), and has been recommended once for goshawk management in southeast Alaska . In addition to reserve design criteria, the utility of habitat reserves depends on the relation between the habitat needs of the species and the factors influencing the availability of quality habitat.…”

Paleoecology and the Coarse‐Filter Approach to Maintaining Biological Diversity

“…Nature reserves should be connected as much as possible by large-scale (continentall) corridors that would allow species to change their geographic distributions in response to climate changes The need for habitat corridors to allow organisms to move among nature reserves, thus maintaining gene flow and minimizing local extinction events, has been extensively discussed (Noss & Harris 1986;Simberloff & Cox 1987;Noss 1987b). However, the need for bands of suitable habitat along which organisms can shift their geographic distribution is obvious only from a long-term perspective.…”