Conservation of biodiversity in Scandinavian boreal forests: large carnivores as flagships, umbrellas, indicators, or keystones?

摘要: Large carnivores are often used as focal species (indicators, umbrellas, flagships or keystones) in conservation strategies either aimed at conserving carnivores, the rest of biodiversity that occupies their habitats, both. We evaluate suitability for these roles context boreal forest muti-use landscapes Scandinavia. The enormous conflicts, especially with livestock, cause areas makes them very controversial to extent it may affect rural people's attitudes general. Because broad habitat tolerance large and prey, difficulties surveying carnivore numbers, they insensitive impractical indicators biodiversity. This ability thrive industrial forests means many sensitive modern forestry will not fall under umbrella managed carnivores. If have a keystone function respect affecting density ungulate prey is likely lead even further conflicts hunters who gain economic benefit from harvesting wild ungulates. In other words, none classic `ecological' arguments help justify conservation, unlikely conserve forest's Based on we recommend (1) justification focus real philosophical value orientated reasons rather than ecological justifications, (2) this should be brought about practice by dedicated management programs specifically address caused (3) best conserved specific actions designed establish reserves change practices.