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25th International Congress for Conservation Biology • Auckland, New Zealand • 5-9 December 2011 liverworts. As liverworts are extremely sensitive to changes in microclimate, other species such as vascular plants and amphibians can probably also survive in hydroriparian buffers. These results suggest that hydroriparian buffers are an effective management strategy for a range of species, particularly those that are sensitive to microclimate, and should be kept as a policy. 2011-12-08 11:45 Climate Change and Food Security: Robust Solutions from Nature. Hills, T*, Conservation International; With acknowledgment within the scientific community that reliable climate predictions are beyond the capacity of current climate modeling exercises, there is an increasing interest in adaptation solutions to climate change that buffer development from the widest range of likely climate futures. The capacity of ecosystems to contribute to these robust solutions in the food security context will be explored in this discussion, with examples from across a range of developing countries in the tropics using cost-benefit and other impact-relevant tools. 2011-12-06 11:15 North African Houbara Bustard restoration program: restocking and maintaining species ecological and behavioural functions Hingrat, Y*, RENECO WILDLIFE CONSULTANTS; Hardouin, L, EMIRATES CENTER FOR WILDLIFE PROPAGATION; Robet, A, MNHN, PARIS; Lacroix, F, RENECO WILDLIFE CONSULTANTS; The supportive breeding program run in Morocco by the Emirates Center for Wildlife Propagation aims to restore populations of Houbara Bustard (Chlamydotis undulata) in North Africa. Houbaras are artificially bred by equalizing founder representation, maximizing genetic diversity and avoiding inbreeding. Since 1998 about 42 000 houbaras have been released, with survival rates upon 50% one year after the release and above 80% in subsequent years. Long term population monitoring confirmed the ability of captive bred released (CBR) houbaras to reproduce in the wild with breeding success similar to wild houbaras. Based on these parameters PVA models revealed that protected reinforced or reintroduced populations are intrinsically increasing and viable. However, these models rely on the assumption that ecological and behavioural functions are maintained in CBR houbaras. Alteration of these functions can affect the effective population size through at least three mechanisms: reducing the population size; reducing the population growth rate, and/or by increasing reproductive skew. To verify this assumption, we used a multidisciplinary approach with sound ecological (habitat use and diet) and behavioural studies (mating system, post-fledging, natal and breeding dispersal) conducted on wild and CBR houbaras. Our results confirm the preservation of the species ecological and behavioural functions, and emphasize the reliability of our projected viability models 2011-12-06 14:52 Significance of recovery experiment for morphological variables in some fresh water algae Hit Kishore Goswami, Rtd Professor,24, Kaushalnagar, Misrod, Bhopal MP India; Dushma Das Guru*, Department of Botany, Ranchi Women’s College, Ranchi Jharkhand , India; We have been examining samples from different fresh water bodies in order to identify algal composition with greater emphasis on members of some blue green algae viz. Gleotrichia and Rivularia (cyanobacteria) and a few members of chlorophyceae, mainly Scendesmus, Oedogonium and Sirocladium. We had realized that some or the other changes in morphological features and or measurements within the same species may be due to differences in pollution grades of the water bodies within the same ecological niche. Since species identification of algal species is greatly influenced by such measurements of cells and specific structures simple recovery experiments were conducted to transfer 1 ml water sample containing abnormal algae in to sterilized conical flasks containing 200 ml 50% Knop’s solution. The same procedure was followed every time after two weeks. Abnormal phenotypic expressions of the same species underwent a genomic stress- test and features which did not change even after six repeats were considered genetic changes; recovered features revealed ecophenes( environmentally induced temporary changes). We have been able to establish two new species after the recovery experiments. 2011-12-07 17:00 Do population indicators work? Investigating correlated responses of bird populations in relation to predator management Hoare, JM*, New Zealand Department of Conservation; Monks, A, Landcare Research; O’Donnell, CFJ, New Zealand Department of Conservation; Using population indicators to evaluate conservation achievements is widely practised, yet seldom empirically tested. If populations are consistently correlated in response to a shared ecological driver, the indicator species approach can be used as a cost-effective, ecologically-based shortcut to measuring the effects of conservation management. Long-term monitoring of forest bird populations associated with mammalian pest control programmes in New Zealand provides a useful framework for testing the population indicator species concept. We evaluated population trends in 21 bird species vulnerable to predation by introduced mammals (primarily mustelids and rodents) at managed and unmanaged beech (Nothofagus) forest sites. Correlated population trends between species pairs were detected at individual sites. However, neither positive nor negative correlations in species trends could be predicted by life history traits and predator management did not produce consistent, correlated population trends among sites. We therefore provide evidence that in a situation where a threat is reduced, but not eliminated, the use of a population indicator approach to management and reporting is not supported. Relationships between purported indicator taxa and the suite of taxa need to be understood for various management scenarios before population indicators can be confidently applied to measuring conservation achievement. 2011-12-09 11:15 Designing sampling strategies for conservation genetics studies: a simulation tool for conservation managers Hoban, Sean*, Laboratoire d’ Ecologie Alpine, Universite Joseph Fourier; Gaggiotti, Oscar, Laboratoire d’ Ecologie Alpine, Universite Joseph Fourier; Bertorelle, Giorgio, Department of Biology and Evolution, University of Ferrara; Genetic data for threatened species is commonly incorporated into conservation activities (e.g., choosing source populations for stocking, detecting poaching, assessing admixture, or identifying populations of high conservation value). A major issue in planning a conservation genetic study is the number of genetic markers, samples, and populations to incorporate. Unfortunately, many studies are undertaken without clear knowledge of the type and statistical power of the data they can expect, often leading to post-hoc and ambiguous interpretation of non-significant results. There is currently no tool available for estimating power of sampling under a variety of complex demographic and management scenarios. We present a prototype of a web-based, highly user-friendly software package developed to fill this gap. The simulation-based tool includes several modules (e.g., bottlenecks, connectivity, assignment) that are customizable for speciesspecific genetic and demographic parameters. For each module, using case studies, we discuss the balance between markers and samples in achieving a desired power threshold. Our tool can be used by conservation managers without specific expertise in genetics. Further, its simple and flexible architecture allows incorporation of future conservation genetic methods. This package is a deliverable of ConGRESS (www.congressgenetics.eu), a FP7 EU project to produce tools to incorporate genetic biodiversity into policy and management activities. 2011-12-09 11:30 Achieving positive ecological and social outcomes through a participatory wildlife conservation project in a deprived urban area Hobbs, SJ, University of York; White, PCL*, University of York; Achieving effective biodiversity conservation is increasingly dependent on an actively-engaged society. For certain charismatic species and habitats, specific stakeholder groups can serve as a platform for conservation efforts. However, for most species and habitats, it is a considerable challenge to engage people to assist voluntarily in their conservation. Ongoing engagement is promoted by combining positive ecological outcomes with positive social outcomes at the individual and community levels. We describe the ecological and social outcomes of a participatory wildlife conservation project, monitoring native hedgehogs Erinaceus europaeus in a deprived urban area in the UK. The project is part of a UK-wide research programme (OPAL) seeking to encourage greater public engagement in biodiversity monitoring. The 68
25th International Congress for Conservation Biology • Auckland, New Zealand • 5-9 December 2011 results demonstrated the importance of key food resources in determining hedgehog ranging behaviour and showed that participation in the study was a positive experience for many participants, leading to potential changes in individual behaviour as well as bringing wider benefits to the community. The study also highlighted contrasts in perceptions concerning public engagement held by the participants with those held by conservation organisations. Community-based initiatives such as OPAL have a key role to play in the context of signposting and supporting volunteers to maximise the ecological and social benefits associated with public engagement in conservation. 2011-12-07 16:30 Indirect effects of herbicide on trematode proliferation in the freshwater snail host Potamopyrgus antipodarum HOCK,SD*, Department of Ecology, University of Otago; Poulin, Robert, Department of Ecology, University of Otago; Freshwater ecosystems are often exposed to intense agricultural pollution, which can impact species interactions such as those between parasites and their hosts. Here, we studied the effect of glyphosate (the active ingredient of a widely-used agricultural herbicide) on the proliferation and transmission of trematodes in the New Zealand mud snail, Potamopyrgus antipodarum. This ubiquitous and hugely abundant snail serves as first intermediate host to a wide diversity of trematodes, which multiply within the snail into cercariae and then go on to infect native invertebrates, fish and birds. Earlier evidence suggested that herbicide from agricultural runoff may weaken the immune system of the snail and promote the withinsnail multiplication of the trematode Telogaster opisthorchis. We tested the effect of long-term exposure to different levels of glyphosate on cercarial production by several trematode species parasitic in P. antipodarum, as well as on the infectivity of cercariae to their next hosts. Our results provide evidence of the indirect influences of agricultural run-off on freshwater systems, and add weight to the pressure on the agricultural sector to limit the large-scale use of herbicide. 2011-12-07 18:00 Success Factors for Large-Scale Conservation Programs Hoekstra, JH*, The Nature Conservancy; Anderson, K, The Nature Conservancy; Kareiva, P, The Nature Conservancy; Ramos, A, The Nature Conservancy; Oidov, E, The Nature Conservancy; Conservationists have developed many effective solutions to localized conservation problems such as protecting and restoring habitat and controlling invasive species. The challenge comes in scaling these solutions up to national and continental scales that are commensurate with the scope of major environmental problems. Large-scale conservation programs need policy, finance, and social science expertise, in addition to conservation biology, in order to win over more diverse stakeholders. The global health industry has confronted similar scaling challenges such as making singleuse needles the norm in health clinics in developing countries in order to prevent HIV and hepatitis-C infections. Large-scale impact required coordinated strategies to influence local clinic staff who deliver health care, UNICEF whose purchasing power could lower prices industrywide, and government health and finance ministers who pay the bills. We adapted this “those who use, those who choose, and those who pay the dues” framework to evaluate success factors, common barriers, and viable alternatives for large-scale conservation programs. We examined program strategies and progress reports, and interviewed staff and relevant experts about 20 large-scale conservation programs to understand why some programs are achieving larger-scale impact than others. Our findings offer evidence-based guidance to improve the design and implementation of large-scale conservation programs. 2011-12-07 15:15 Ant eradications: a synthesis of successes, and identification of needs Hoffmann, BD*, CSIRO; Invasive ant eradication has a poor track record for success, and an even poorer history of publication of project successes and failures. Here I provide an overview of the 77 records of ant eradications. Within the postorganochlorine era , the majority of eradications (42) were very small (< 1 ha), in some cases being just one or a few nests. Two species, African big headed ant Pheidole megacephala and Yellow crazy ant Anoplolepis gracilipes, were the targets of most eradications (31 and 24 eradications respectively). It is also only in the last decade that the size of eradications has greatly increased, however, the largest eradication covered only 41 ha. In contrast, approximately 3000 infestations covering approximately 15,800 ha were eradicated over the equivalent duration of time using organochlorines, the largest eradication covering approximately 300 ha. I then discuss the current global status of ant eradication management options, and identify what I see as the actions that will provide the greatest immediate enhancement of invasive ant management, being proactive management options and greater incorporation of ant biology into eradication protocols. 2011-12-06 17:00 The threat status of New Zealand’s naturally uncommon ecosystems Holdaway, R.J.*, Landcare Research; Wiser, S.K., Landcare Research; Smale, M., Landcare Research; Clarkson, B., Landcare Research; Williams, P.A., Landcare Research; Despite the best efforts of conservationists, a vast portion of the world’s ecosystems are being degraded, transformed and in some cases completely destroyed by human activities. Ecosystem-level management offers a potential solution to this decline. Instead of focusing on individual species, ecosystem-level management targets the preservation of ecosystem habitat and ecological integrity, hopefully leading to the conservation of a full suite of species within each ecosystem. To allow prioritisation of ecosystembased conservation efforts the most threatened ecosystem types need to be identified. We apply recently proposed IUCN ecosystem red list criteria for threatened ecosystems (based on changes in extent and reduction in ecosystem processes) to New Zealand’s 71 previously defined naturally uncommon ecosystems. Our results identify 16 critically endangered, 19 endangered and 10 vulnerable ecosystem types. Although naturally uncommon ecosystems contain disproportionally more threatened plant species than common ecosystem types, we found no strong relationship between an ecosystems threat status and the number of threatened plant species found within that particular ecosystem. Our findings provide essential information to help prioritise conservation of New Zealand’s naturally uncommon ecosystems and form a working case-study for the ongoing development of international red-list criteria for threatened ecosystems. 2011-12-07 10:46 Monitor & Manage The Marsupial Menace: Learning about biodiversity conservation through science-based computer games Holland, EP*, Landcare Research NZ; Invasive mammals such as possums, rodents and deer have a significant impact on native biodiversity in New Zealand forests. The complex and dynamic relationship between pest density and damage means that impacts on native flora and fauna are highly variable in time and space. Estimating the benefits of pest control at different sites is therefore difficult. Communicating the problem, the range of possible solutions, and justifying lethal pest control and the use of poisons, is equally complicated. Computer games provide an engaging learning and technical communication opportunity for science. We have integrated evidence-based models of pest population processes and their interactions with each other, native flora and fauna populations, and management tools such as traps and toxic bait, to aid forest management. We have used these models as the basis for a forest ecosystem game, where the user implements monitoring to understand problems around forest health and conservation condition, and management to find a solution within a budget. The game provides the wider, non-scientific community easy access to the underlying science. By using such games to juggle resources, tools and pest impacts on iconic native trees, birds and invertebrates, individual users will become better informed of the economic and ecological consequences of their choices. This will enable them to support or even participate in the development of pest management plans in their communities in an informed way. 2011-12-08 12:00 Building a better mouse-trap: improving estimates of the impact of conservation action Holmes, K., IUCN Species Survival Commission; Duckworth, J. W., None; Hoffmann, M.*, IUCN Species Survival Commission; Mallon, D., Manchester Metropolitan University; Stuart, S.N., IUCN Species Survival Commission; 69
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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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