Journal article
Counting the books while the library burns: Why conservation monitoring programs need a plan for action
DB Lindenmayer, MP Piggott, BA Wintle
Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment | Published : 2013
DOI: 10.1890/120220
Abstract
Conservation monitoring programs are critical for identifying many elements of species ecology and for detecting changes in populations. However, without articulating how monitoring information will trigger relevant conservation actions, programs that monitor species until they become extinct are at odds with the primary goal of conservation: avoiding biodiversity loss. Here, we outline cases in which species were monitored until they suffered local, regional, or global extinction in the absence of a preplanned intervention program, and contend that conservation monitoring programs should be embedded within a management plan and characterized by vital attributes to ensure their effectiveness..
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Funding Acknowledgements
We thank many colleagues, including: F Bunnell, P Burton, C Dickman, R Didham, P Ehrlich, A Felton, J Franklin, T Gardner, S Garnett, C Groves, R Hobbs, M Hunter, C Krebs, G Likens, B Laurance, S McIntyre, H Possingham, R Primack, R Noss, M Scott, T Spies, B Sutherland, D Wilcove, and J Wiens. C MacGregor manages the long-term field monitoring at Booderee National Park, southeastern Australia. DBL is supported by an ARC Laureate Fellowship, BAW is supported by an ARC Future Fellowship, and MPP is supported by an ARC DECRA. BAW and DBL are also supported by the Australian National Environmental Research Program.