Structured decision making as a conservation tool for recovery planning of two endangered salamanders
At least one-third of all amphibian species face the threat of extinction, and current amphibian extinction rates are four orders of magnitude greater than background rates. Preventing extirpation often requires both ex situ (i.e., conservation breeding programs) and in situ strategies (i.e., protecting natural habitats). Flatwoods salamanders (Ambystoma bishopi and A. cingulatum) are protected under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. The two species have decreased from 476 historical locations to 63 recently extant locations (86.8% loss). We suggest that recovery efforts are needed to increase populations and prevent extinction, but uncertainty regarding optimal actions in both ex situ and in situ realms hinders recovery planning. We used structured decision making (SDM) to address key uncertainties regarding both captive breeding and habitat restoration, and we developed short-, medium-, and long-term goals to achieve recovery objectives. By promoting a transparent, logical approach, SDM has proven vital to recovery plan development for flatwoods salamanders. The SDM approach has clear advantages over other previous approaches to recovery efforts, and we suggest that it should be considered for other complex decisions regarding endangered species.
Citation Information
| Publication Year | 2017 |
|---|---|
| Title | Structured decision making as a conservation tool for recovery planning of two endangered salamanders |
| DOI | 10.1016/j.jnc.2017.02.011 |
| Authors | Katy O'Donnell, Arianne F Messerman, William J. Barichivich, Raymond D. Semlitsch, Thomas A. Gorman, Harold G Mitchell, Nathan Allan, Dante B. Fenolio, Adam Green, Fred A. Johnson, Allison Keever, Mark Mandica, Julien Martin, Jana Mott, Terry Peacock, Joseph Reinman, Stephanie S. Romañach, Greg Titus, Conor P. McGowan, Susan C. Walls |
| Publication Type | Article |
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Series Title | Journal for Nature Conservation |
| Index ID | 70184448 |
| Record Source | USGS Publications Warehouse |
| USGS Organization | Wetland and Aquatic Research Center |
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Madison, WI 53726
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Julien Martin, Ph.D.
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Stephanie Romañach, Ph.D.
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Upper Midwest Water Science Center - Madison, WI, Office
1 Gifford Pinchot Drive
Madison, WI 53726
United StatesWilliam Barichivich
Wildlife BiologistEmailPhoneJulien Martin, Ph.D.
Supervisory BiologistEmailPhoneStephanie Romañach, Ph.D.
Research EcologistEmailSusan Walls, Ph.D.
Research Wildlife BiologistEmailPhone