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25th International Congress for Conservation Biology • Auckland, New Zealand • 5-9 December 2011 2011-12-08 18:30 Discovery and implementation of charismatic species in the Chilean Long-Term Socio-Ecological Research (LTSER) Network Márquez-García, M*, Instituto Milenio de Ecología y Biodiversidad (IEB); Caballero, P, Instituto Milenio de Ecología y Biodiversidad (IEB), Parque Etnobotánico Omora; Díaz-Forestier, J, Instituto Milenio de Ecología y Biodiversidad (IEB), Fundación Senda Darwin; Hernández, CC, Instituto Milenio de Ecología y Biodiversidad (IEB), Centro de Estudios Avanzados en Zonas Áridas (CEAZA); Marcelo, W, Instituto Milenio de Ecología y Biodiversidad (IEB), Fundación Senda Darwin; Marticorena, FL, Museo Antropológico Martin Gusinde; Armesto, JJ, Instituto Milenio de Ecología y Biodiversidad (IEB), Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile; Rozzi, R, Instituto Milenio de Ecología y Biodiversidad (IEB), University of North Texas Charismatic species are attractive species for the general public which can be used to raise environmental awareness. The Science Outreach Program of the Institute of Ecology and Biodiversity (IEB) has been developing a strategy of charismatic species that stimulates the dialogue between science and society for nature conservation, in the three long term socio-ecological research sites in Chile (30°, 42° y 55°). As the focus of the study was to identify charismatic flora and fauna in these sites from local community perception, and not only from esthetic or ecological criteria defined a priori, we chose a variety of methods. We used questionnaires, interviews with key stakeholders and documentary sources analysis. The results showed a distinct preference and major identification with alien, domesticated and edible flora and fauna, instead of native species that are mainly researched by scientists. Anyway, it was possible to identify popular native species for local community, with the potential to motivate conservation actions. These results allowed us to design divulgation activities that promote the valuation of the selected species. During the first stage of implementation, we produced teaching material as documentaries, field guides, calendars, reusable bags and playing cards. This strategy integrates traditional and scientific knowledge, emphasizing that biological and cultural conservation requires a participative process where knowledge is generated and used jointly. Date 15:15 Modelling the behaviour of local resource users: grazing, the environment, and institutions McAllister, RRJ*, CSIRO Ecosystem Sciences; A key determinant of the sustainability of natural resource use is the effectiveness of institutions (governance). Critically, institutions play a role in matching the scale of natural resource management to underpinning ecological processes. This issue is strongly demonstrated in dryland systems (arid, semi-arid, dry subhumid), where extreme resource variability across time and space is a pervasive feature. In drylands the environment is not sufficiently fertile, moist or predictable for cropping or other intensive forms of agriculture, yet around 400 million people from around the globe depend on dryland resources for their livelihood, mainly through livestock production. The key to thriving in such climates, where livestock-based livelihoods are tightly coupled with the environment, is in managing variability. In this talk we present an economic model for managing environmental risk. The model, based on modern portfolio theory, unpacks the trade-offs between coping with variability over time and space. This provides a basis for understanding the role of institutions in using dryland natural resources sustainably. 2011-12-09 17:00 An experimental test of environmental decision theory MCCARTHY, MA*, The University of Melbourne; This presentation reports the results of an experimental test of environmental decision theory, a high-profile and vibrant research field. Environmental decision theory encompasses a range of methods that seek optimal solutions to solve environmental management problems. It has been applied to numerous topics in conservation biology including reserve design, allocation of funding to endangered species, surveillance for threatened and invasive species, and optimal management of threatened species. Despite its widespread and growing use, applications of environmental decision theory have not been tested experimentally. I report on an experimental test that examined the ability of environmental decision theory to maximize the detection of five different plant species by field surveyors. Optimal surveillance design is sensitive to detection rates. Expert plant ecologists searched nine quadrats for species in which the detection rates were controlled by modifying their abundance. The predicted benefits of environmental decision theory, as measured by the ability to increase detections of these species, were realized in the experiment. This experimental test demonstrates the potential of using decision theory to optimize detection of rare species, whether they are threatened or invasive. 2011-12-08 18:30 Slow and steady: demographic and genetic trends of wood turtle populations McColl, CA*, Central Michigan University; Willoughby, JR, Central Michigan University; Lewis, TL, University of St. Thomas; Swanson, BJ, Central Michigan University; Populations of wood turtles, Glyptemys insculpta, have steadily decreased over the past 30 years due to the destruction and degradation of necessary habitat. We examined populations of wood turtles in Michigan, USA to determine the distribution of populations, quantify demographic trends, and measure the effect of declining population size on genetic diversity. Wood turtle samples (n=68) were collected from 3 rivers in the Lower Peninsula of Michigan and amplified at 9 microsatellite loci. The programs STRUCTURE and BAPS identified 2 populations that split sampling sites between a North and South population. In both populations, MSVar analysis of genealogies estimated r
25th International Congress for Conservation Biology • Auckland, New Zealand • 5-9 December 2011 is urgently required. Using decision science thinking, we construct a framework to guide the timing of relocation given climate change. Counterintuitively, we show that in some circumstances it may be optimal to wait and allow small populations to grow before moving them. Where there is uncertainty about the impact of climate change, it can be advantageous to wait and learn. These counterintuitive results show the importance of our framework for aiding decision-making on the timing of manage relocation. Our framework advances decision-making in the face of uncertainty about climate change. 2011-12-07 11:00 Niche Partitioning and Ontogenic Changes in Feeding Habits of Green Sea Turtles (Chelonia mydas) at a Foraging Ground in the Central Pacific McFadden, K*, American Museum of Natural History; Sterling, E., American Museum of Natural History; Arengo, F., American Museum of Natural History; Vintinner, E., American Museum of Natural History; Gomez, A., American Museum of Natural History; E. Naro-Maciel, City University of New York, Staten Island; Juvenile green sea turtles are thought to spend several years in surface pelagic habitat prior to recruiting to neretic foraging grounds at 25- 35 cm curved caparace length (CCL). After recruitment, the prevailing hypotheses suggest they switch from an omnivorous foraging strategy to a more herbivorous adult diet. However, data on the range of variation in feeding behavior of newly recruited, immature, and mature green sea turtles remains poorly understood. In this study, we examine the variability in feeding habits of different stage classes of green sea turtles at a major foraging ground at Palmyra Atoll in the Central Pacific Ocean using stable carbon and nitrogen isotopic analyses of turtle tissue samples in order to better understand the ecological requirements of these globally endangered species. A one-way ANOVA indicated a significant bimodal distribution in δ15N signatures with the smallest groups of turtles (< 59.9 cm CCL) and largest turtles (> 90 cm CCL) having enriched δ15N signatures compared to turtles 60.0 - 89.9 cm CCL (p < 0.05). This suggests that new recruits and adults of breeding size may consume prey items higher on the trophic chain compared to medium sized turtles. The smallest turtles (< 49.9 cm CCL) were significantly depleted in δ13C values compared to all other sized turtles and may suggest that new recruits retain some signatures of their previous planktonic foraging habits. An understanding of the possible ontogenetic shifts in feedings habits and changes in their reliance on various prey items is necessary for effective species and habitat conservation. 2011-12-06 11:45 Resistant kernel modeling of landscape connectivity at multiple scales: a case study involving marbled salamanders in central Massachusetts, USA McGarigal, Kevin*, University of Massachusetts; Compton, Brad, University of Massachusetts; Cushman, Sam, USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station; Whiteley, Andrew, University of Massachusetts; Gamble, Lloyd, US State Department; Population dynamics of vernal pool-breeding amphibians take place at multiple scales, representing pool-centered breeding, and connectivity to local upland habitat, to neighboring pools, and among regional clusters of pools. Strategic conservation must take connectivity at these multiple scales into account. We developed a model of connectivity for the marbled salamander (Ambystoma opacum) in Massachusetts, and applied it to nearly 30,000 potential vernal pools across the state. This model is based on the resistant kernel estimator, a modification of the standard kernel estimator that takes landscape resistance into account. The model is parameterized with data from an intensive long-term demographic study of a single metapopulation and an extensive landscape genetics study. We used inferred rates of gene flow among populations to empirically estimate landscape resistance for dispersal between pools. Model results rank pools in Massachusetts by an integrate measure of local, neighborhood, and regional connectivity. Results suggest that the most connected pool complexes occur in areas with rapidly increasing suburban development. A sensitivity analysis suggests that pool rankings are relatively insensitive to uncertainty in parameter estimates. This connectivity model can be an important tool in prioritizing conservation areas and demonstrates the usefulness of resistant kernel estimators for connectivity modeling. 2011-12-09 14:52 From policy to practice via the science of invasion biology McGeoch, MA*, South African National Parks and Centre for Invasion Biology; International policy responses to biological invasion have increased significantly over the last four decades. However, trends in the numbers of alien species and the threat that they pose to species extinction risk have increased over the same period. The Convention on Biological Diversity’s 2020 Aichi Target for invasive alien species nonetheless remains largely similar to previous targets. The interplay between policy, monitoring and reporting on the status of biological invasion, and implementing actions to manage this environmental problem is thus not always clear. The science of biological invasion has an important contribution to make here. It has provided the basis for sound policy and management to date, and has also identified and illustrated the caveats and connections between policy and prevention and control activities. This has been clearly apparent at global, national and protected area scales. The fields of science most relevant in this context have been systematics and vector ecology, although evidence of the impact of invasive species on biodiversity has been essential for motivating the policy response at all levels. Although science plays a unifying role in the management of biological invasions, focussed effort by invasion biologists is needed to realise this. 2011-12-06 12:30 Future Ocean Governance in [Aotearoa] New Zealand: Linking Science to Policymaking McGinnis, Michael Vincent*, Institute of Policy Studies, School of Government, Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Level 5, West Wing Railway Building, Bunny Street ; The changing character to the world’s oceans and coastal ecosystems will make ecological sustainability a significant challenge. Global climate disturbance and the over-use of coastal marine resources have synergistic impacts on coastal marine ecosystems. A sector-by-sector approach to ocean governance will prove irresponsive to these cumulative impacts. New Zealand does not have a comprehensive coastal marine governance framework in place that can protect marine life. In addition, the country does not require environmental assessments for proposed use of marine areas beyond 12 nm. Yet, the country has begun to lease marine areas for aquaculture, marine mining and offshore oil development. A range of planning tools are described that can improve and strengthen New Zealand’s ocean governance framework, including marine spatial plans, marine zoning, and the designation of marine protected areas or MPAs in support of marine life. These planning tools should include stakeholders, policymakers, and scientists in public planning activities that cut across sectors, interests, and issue areas. 2011-12-08 18:30 Gathering Scientific Input to Government Conservation Policy-making: A Case Study Highlighting Ecological Processes McGregor, AM*, Environmental consultant; Bennett, AF, School of Life & Environmental Sciences, Deakin University; How can scientific knowledge and the ‘accumulated wisdom’ of experienced ecological scientists be efficiently gathered to inform government conservation policy-making? In the State of Victoria, Australia, a twopart project was commissioned by an alliance of environmental nongovernment organisations. A range of scientists, other relevant professionals and practitioners were consulted via workshops, extended interviews and discussion groups. Their views were compiled regarding the condition and importance of the ecological processes that sustain biodiversity in Victoria, and consequently the policy priorities for their management and conservation. The resultant reports distilled the findings as credible, wellinformed and focussed input to preparation of the State Government’s long-term policy on biodiversity and land health. Further benefits arising from the project included: 1) it stimulated new ways of thinking about conservation priorities in Victoria; 2) it fostered greater interaction among and between ecologists, policy analysts and conservation groups; and 3) the credibility of the recommendations was enhanced by both the breadth and reputation of those participating and the production of peer-reviewed publications. 107
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Index Benini, Rubens 42 Beniston, M
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Index DeWan, Amielle 14 Dianne Brun
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Index Hilborn, Ray 27 Hill, CM 176
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Index Loutit, R. 116 Louwe Kooijman
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Index Ottewell, K 81 Overton, J 61,
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Index Sequeira, Ana 151 Serebryakov
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Index Winandy, L 181 Winner, J. 112
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