Moving Beyond Science to Protect a Mammalian Migration Corridor

摘要: As the discipline of conservation biology evolves and practitioners grow increasingly concerned about how to put results into achievable conservation, it is still unclear extent which science drives outcomes, especially across rural landscapes. We addressed this issue by examining role in protection a biological corridor. Our focus on North American endemic mammal reliant long distance migration as an adaptive strategy, pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) southern Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. The realizing policy change, while critical first step, was surprisingly small relative other human dimensions. In case study, we strategically variety needs beyond science, building partnership between government private interests then enhancing interest migratory phenomena landscape with divergent political ideologies economic bases. By developing awareness even people's pride concept corridor achieved local, state, federal acceptance for 70 km long, 2 wide pathway longest terrestrial migrant contiguous United States. Key steps included conducting publishing research that defined corridor; fostering media coverage at regional, national levels; public outreach through stakeholder workshops, meetings, presentations; meeting gaining support elected officials. All these contributed eventual change created federally protected States, turn stimulated additional actions. On basis our experience, believe scientists can should step traditional roles assist on-the-ground engaging aspects involve local communities policy.