Establishing Criteria for Threatened Ecosystems
Author Information
Author(s): Rodríguez Jon Paul, Rodríguez-Clark Kathryn M, Baillie Jonathan E M, Ash Neville, Benson John, Boucher Timothy, Brown Claire, Burgess Neil D, Collen Ben, Jennings Michael, Keith David A, Nicholson Emily, Revenga Carmen, Reyers Belinda, Rouget Mathieu, Smith Tammy, Spalding Mark, Taber Andrew, Walpole Matt, Zager Irene, Zamin Tara
Primary Institution: Centro de Ecología, Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas
Hypothesis
Ecosystem risk is a function of the risk of its component species.
Conclusion
The study proposes a set of criteria for assessing the threat status of ecosystems, which will aid in conservation efforts.
Supporting Evidence
- The IUCN has developed criteria for assessing extinction risk that separate risk assessment from priority setting.
- A working group established by the IUCN is formulating a system for assigning levels of threat to ecosystems.
- The proposed criteria include recent declines in distribution or ecological function and small distribution combined with decline.
Takeaway
This study is about figuring out how to tell if ecosystems are in danger, just like we do for endangered animals.
Methodology
The study outlines a system of quantitative categories and criteria for assessing ecosystem threat levels.
Limitations
Most work has focused on terrestrial ecosystems, with less attention to freshwater and marine ecosystems.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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