Defining variation in pre-human ecosystems can guide conservation: An example from a Caribbean coral reef

摘要: Abstract There is a consensus that Caribbean coral reefs are pale shadow of what they once were, yet reef’s pre-human state typically assumed or estimated using space-for-time substitution approaches. These approaches may fail to account for past variation before human impact which could mislead conservation priorities and actions. In this study we use suite fossilised mid-Holocene (7.2-5.6 ka) fringing in Panama define the Historical Range Variation (HRV) community structure human-impact provide context states modern same area. Using abundances taxa quantify communities, found most communities exist novel ecosystem with no fossil precedence. We do however identify one reef indistinguishable from reefs. Reef-matrix cores show on has remained stable over 760 years, suggesting long-term resistance region-wide shift states. Without historical robust would be overlooked since it does not fulfil expectations “pristine” should look like. This example illustrates how defining record can place degradation improve recommendations.