Adaptive management is a powerful means of learning about complex ecosystems, but is rarely used for recovering endangered species. Here, we demonstrate how it can benefit woodland caribou, which became the first large mammal extirpated from the contiguous United States in recent history. The continental scale of forest alteration and extended time needed for forest recovery means that relying only on habitat protection and restoration will likely fail. Therefore, population management is also needed as an emergency measure to avoid further extirpation. Reductions of predators and overabundant prey, translocations, and creating safe havens have been applied in a design covering >90,000 km2 . Combinations of treatments that increased multiple vital rates produced the highest population growth. Moreover, the degree of ecosystem alteration did not influence this pattern. By coordinating recovery involving scientists, governments, and First Nations, treatments were applied across vast scales to benefit this iconic species
Related Resources
Comparison of Pre-fire and Post-fire Space Use Reveals Varied Responses by Woodland Caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) in the Boreal Shield
Resource Date:
October
2020
Boreal Caribou Can Coexist with Natural but Not Industrial Disturbances
Resource Date:
August
2020
Quantification of Lichen Cover and Biomass Using Field Data, Airborne Laser Scanning and High Spatial Resolution Optical Data - A Case Study from a Canadian Boreal Pine Forest
Resource Date:
June
2020
Organization
The Biophysical Climate Mitigation Potential of Boreal Peatlands During the Growing Season
Resource Date:
October
2020
Organization
Was this helpful?
|