Wildlife Population Restoration - Session 6

Question 1

Define ‘Umbrella Species’

Answer 1

Species whose conservation confers a protective umbrella to numerous co-occuring species

Question 2

Define ‘Indicator Species’

Answer 2

Species whose distribution, abundance, or population dynamics can serve as substitute measures of the status of other species or environmental attributes

Question 3

Define ‘Keystone Species’

Answer 3

Species that significantly affects one or more key ecological processes or elements to an extent that greatly exceeds what would be predicted from its abundance or biomass

Question 4

Define ‘Ecosystem Engineer’

Answer 4

Species that, via morphology or behaviour, modifies, maintains and creates habitat for itself and other organisms

Question 5

Define ‘Flagship Species’

Answer 5

Charismatic species that serves as a symbol to generate conservation awareness and action

Question 6

Define ‘Focal Species’

Answer 6

Species used, for any reason, to help understand, manage, or conserve ecosystem composition, structure, or function

Question 7

Define ‘Surrogate Species’

Answer 7

Concept that species can serve as reliable/cost-effective measures of other, difficult to measure variables, including:
- total species richness
- diversity and,
- various ecosystem functions

Question 8

What sources can be used to assist with this reconstruction (be as complete as possible, including local examples)?

Answer 8

• The USGS-Biological Resources Division → coordinates the nationwide Breeding Bird Surveys (BBS)
• The National Audubon Society → coordinates an annual bird-counting effort in December → Christmas Bird Count (CBC)
• The B.C. Conservation Data Centre
• Museum records → UBC’s Beaty Biodiversity Museum
  Royal BC Natural History Museum
• Literature

Question 9

What are some of the concerns/uncertainties about using the (data) sources mentioned in question 2?

Answer 9

• W/o direct observations of a species on a restoration site, we don’t know if it will be successful
• Even if a species did occur on site we usually don’t know their status
  –> did it actually breed, survive, and produce viable offspring?

Question 10

What factors should you consider when evaluating these data? (question 2 part 2)

Answer 10

Factors to consider:
- Age of data source
- Distance from data source
- Quantity and quality of data sources:
- One record versus numerous records
- Records from brief time period versus sample across time
- Actual specimens versus visual observations
- Completeness of data record
- Reputation of data source

Question 11

Why does the focal species approach often fail?

Answer 11

• Focal species =/= surrogates
• High social bias of selected species
• The assumption that threatening processes are independent is false,
• Don’t know enough about every species to correctly choose focal species
• Empirical testing of the response of species to management actions is minimal
• Species seldom have overlapping niche requirements

Question 12

Explain the assumption of nested-niche requirements?

Answer 12

• That different species have similar responses to perturbations
• If species are not nested, responses to perturbations could be very dissimilar

Question 13

Why does the coarse-filter approach usually fail to protect a large number of native species?

Answer 13

The CF approach does not necessarily meet the niche requirements of many species

Question 14

What are some key assumptions of using a focal species approach?

Answer 14

The assumption of the nested subset (niche)

Question 15

What are some questions you need to ask before trying to restore a specific species (desired vs ultimate)

Answer 15

• Can you create/provide the critical limiting resources?
• Is immigration/emigration/dispersal possible?
• Are the influences of predators/competitors/exotic species manageable?
• Can you create a ‘source’ population? Or will it be a ‘sink’?
• Can you manage/control the abiotic conditions?