How to make a common species rare: A case against conservation complacency

摘要: A traditional focus in conservation biology has been on rare species as they are often those most at risk of decline or extinction. However, we argue this paper that some kinds currently common also can be susceptible to decline. Those particular specialized widespread environmental conditions. Such specialization may make such vulnerable a range drivers change, placing them significant even local We illustrate with case study the arboreal marsupial Greater Glider (Petauroides volans) south-eastern Australia. The was formerly two large-scale studies but one it suffered rapid extinction (within 3 year period) and another is declining an annual rate 8.8%. therefore for more research better predict which might future In addition, suggest there will need take pro-active management action reduce number potential stressors populations ensure do not become uncommon rare. conserving retention their key ecological functional roles ecosystems. Finally, believe develop monitoring programs detect changes population trajectories species, help identify reasons temporal populations, underpin timely interventions. Despite these good intentions, acknowledge our own long-term investigations we: (1) failed anticipate extremely (and likely extinction) Glider, (2) were unable diagnose reason/s underpinning collapse, (3) nor able instigate intervention program prevent from occurring. lesson sobering result sometimes wise avoid complacency conservation.