The importance of considering multiple interacting species for conservation of species at risk

摘要: Conservation of species at risk extinction is complex and multifaceted. However, mitigation strategies are typically narrow in scope, an artifact conservation research that often limited to a single or stressor. Knowledge entire community strongly interacting would greatly enhance the comprehensiveness effectiveness decisions. We investigated how camera trapping spatial count models, extension spatial-recapture models for unmarked populations, can accomplish this through case study threatened boreal woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou). Population declines precipitous well documented, but recovery focus heavily on control wolves (Canis lupus) pay less attention other known predators apparent competitors. Obtaining necessary data multispecies densities has been difficult. used concurrently estimate caribou, their (wolf, black bear [Ursus americanus], coyote [Canis latrans]), alternative prey (moose [Alces alces] white-tailed deer [Odocoileus virginianus]) from camera-trap array highly disturbed landscape within northern Alberta's Oil Sands Region. Median were 0.22 caribous (95% Bayesian credible interval [BCI] = 0.08-0.65), 0.77 BCI 0.26-2.67), 2.39 moose 0.56-7.00), 2.64 coyotes 0.45-6.68), 3.63 bears 1.25-8.52) per 100 km2 . (The model did not converge.) Although wolf higher than recommended conservation, we suggest markedly may be greater concern, especially if government further releases these species. Caribou with singular leave vulnerable predators. recommend broader when conserving