Determining the management requirements of threatened plant species.

Williams, Paul R. (2006) Determining the management requirements of threatened plant species. Ecological Management and Restoration, 7 (2). pp. 148-151.

[img] PDF (Published Version) - Published Version
Restricted to Repository staff only

View at Publisher Website: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1442-8903.20...
 
4
5


Abstract

Determining a species’ legal status is essential for identifying those in real danger of becoming extinct in the wild due to very limited distributions and declining populations. The World Conservation Union (IUCN) criteria for determining the status of threatened species are being adopted in Australia and include details on distribution, abundance and evidence of population declines (IUCN 2001). These IUCN criteria are undoubtedly crucial for identifying species that are under threat of declining towards the point of extinction. However, identifying that a species has a limited distribution or is in decline, does not by itself provide land managers with the information needed to ensure appropriate management. Land managers are encouraged to direct extra efforts into ensuring populations of threatened species are maintained within their jurisdiction. They require information on the current and likely threats to the sustainability of populations, and the management actions required to address those threats. Although a species may have a smaller global distribution than another species, the latter may have more issues requiring management action to survive. For example, the rare forb Aponogeton queenslandicus, which grows within wetlands being smothered by aggressive weeds, dug up by feral pigs and threatened to be either drained or kept permanently flooded at various wetlands, requires more management actions than a species with a smaller distribution, which grows within an apparently healthy and protected habitat, such as the endangered rainforest ginger Costus potierae.

Item ID: 680
Item Type: Article (Research - C1)
ISSN: 1442-8903
Keywords: legislation, rare plants, threat assessment
Additional Information:

Copyright 2006 Blackwell Publishing. The definitive version is available at www.blackwell-synergy.com

Date Deposited: 17 Oct 2006
FoR Codes: 05 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES > 0502 Environmental Science and Management > 050202 Conservation and Biodiversity @ 100%
SEO Codes: 96 ENVIRONMENT > 9613 Remnant Vegetation and Protected Conservation Areas > 961306 Remnant Vegetation and Protected Conservation Areas in Forest and Woodlands Environments @ 100%
Downloads: Total: 5
More Statistics

Actions (Repository Staff Only)

Item Control Page Item Control Page