Multi-species and Ecosystem Approaches to Species at Risk

Fiona Schmiegelow, University of Alberta

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Fine-filter = focusing on the needs

of species

Coarse-filter = conserving communities

An ecosystem approach;

implicitly multi-species.

May be multi-species, but

not implicitly an

ecosystem approach.

A. Description of the ecosystem approach

1. A strategy for the integrated management of land, water and living resources that

promotes conservation and sustainable use.

2. Based on the application of appropriate scientific methodologies focused on levels

of biological organization, which encompass the essential structure, processes,

functions and interactions among organisms and their environment.

3. 'Ecosystem' means a dynamic complex of plant, animal and micro-organism

communities and their non-living environment interacting as a functional unit... the

scale of analysis and action should be determined by the problem being addressed.

4. Requires adaptive management to deal with the complex and dynamic nature of

ecosystems and the absence of complete knowledge or understanding of their

functioning. (and recognizes the precautionary principle)

5. Does not preclude other management and conservation approaches, such as …

single-species conservation programmes.

Ecosystem Approach

Principle 5: Conservation of ecosystem structure and functioning should be a priority

target of the ecosystem approach.

Principle 6: Ecosystems must be managed within the limits of their functioning.

Principle 7: The ecosystem approach should be undertaken at the appropriate spatial

and temporal scales.

Principle 8: Recognizing the varying temporal scales and lag-effects that characterize

ecosystem processes, objectives for ecosystem management should be set for the

long term.

Principle 9: Management must recognize that change is inevitable.

Principle 10: The ecosystem approach should seek the appropriate balance between,

and integration of, conservation and use of biological diversity.

Ecosystem Approach

SARA : multi-species and ecosystem approaches

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SARA : multi-species and ecosystem approaches

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SARA : multi-species and ecosystem approaches

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Case Study Boreal Caribou

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Threats to Populations –

Habitat Loss and Alteration

Direct Effects

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Threats to Populations -

Habitat Loss and Alteration

Indirect Effects

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A Hierarchy of Habitat

1st order: Spp distribution;

extent of occurrence

2nd order: Range of local

populations

3rd order: Seasonal ranges

and calving sites

4th order: Foraging sites

1 The most

relevant scale at

which to consider

persistence of

local caribou

populations is

the range.

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Global Forest Watch Canada 2012 after Environment Canada 2011

Industrial Disturbances in Boreal Caribou

Ranges (industrial disturbances buffered by 500 m)

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Global Forest Watch Canada 2012 after Environment Canada 2011

Industrial and Fire Disturbances in

Boreal Caribou Ranges

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~70% of the variation in boreal caribou recruitment was explained by a composite measure of total disturbance.

(Environment Canada 2011)

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Population Risk Assessment across

Boreal Caribou Ranges in Canada

From Environment Canada 2012

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Population and Distribution Objectives

From Environment Canada 2012

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Critical Habitat Identification

From Environment Canada 2012

Principle 5: Conservation of ecosystem structure and functioning should be a priority

target of the ecosystem approach.

Principle 6: Ecosystems must be managed within the limits of their functioning.

Principle 7: The ecosystem approach should be undertaken at the appropriate spatial

and temporal scales.

Principle 8: Recognizing the varying temporal scales and lag-effects that characterize

ecosystem processes, objectives for ecosystem management should be set for the

long term.

Principle 9: Management must recognize that change is inevitable.

Principle 10: The ecosystem approach should seek the appropriate balance between,

and integration of, conservation and use of biological diversity.

Ecosystem Approach

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Boersma et al. 2001

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Taylor et al. 2001

SARA : multi-species and ecosystem approaches

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A Case in Point

Unnasch and Karl 2012

What’s going on

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Multi-species and Ecosystem Approaches to Species at Risk

Fiona Schmiegelow, University of Alberta