Lines on a map : conservation units, meta-population dynamics, and recovery of woodland caribou in Canada

Weckworth, BV; Hebblewhite, M; Mariani, S; Musiani, M

Abstract

Delineating conservation units is a fundamental step in recovery planning for endangered species. Yet, challenges remain in the application and validation of scientifically evaluated conservation units in management practice. The Canadian government makes use of Designatable Units (DUs) as the primary conservation unit under their Species‐at‐Risk Act. DUs must be ecologically discrete and have demonstrated evolutionary significance, which, in the case of woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou), has led to the definition of multiple DUs across Canada. Simultaneously, Environment and Climate Change Canada has released two recovery strategies affecting four DUs, wherein DUs are subdivided into smaller conservation units. However, the two recovery strategies adopt different definitions for the conservation unit. For the Boreal DU, the Local Population is considered the conservation unit for recovery management, whereas for Southern Mountain DU, the conservation unit for recovery is the subpopulation, which may or may not be comprised of several Local Populations. The scientific rationale for the difference between recovery strategies is unclear, not necessarily supported by genetic or demographic evidence, and highlights a policy challenge facing caribou conservation. We argue that the current emphasis on protecting subpopulations within a DU might be inconsistent and unviable for recovery planning. Instead, the recognition and emphasis on maintaining meta‐population dynamics within DUs is essential and currently underutilized in the long‐term recovery of woodland caribou in Canada.

Citation

Weckworth, B., Hebblewhite, M., Mariani, S., & Musiani, M. (2018). Lines on a map : conservation units, meta-population dynamics, and recovery of woodland caribou in Canada. Ecosphere, 9(7), e02323. https://doi.org/10.1002/ecs2.2323

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: May 18, 2018
• Online Publication Date: Jul 23, 2018
• Publication Date: Jul 23, 2018
• Deposit Date: Jul 30, 2018
• Publicly Available Date: Jul 30, 2018
• Journal: Ecosphere
• Print ISSN: 2150-8925
• Publisher: Ecological Society of America
• Volume: 9
• Issue: 7
• Pages: e02323
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/ecs2.2323
• Publisher URL: https://doi.org/10.1002/ecs2.2323
• Related Public URLs: https://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/21508925
• Additional Information: Funders : Alberta Environment and Parks (AEP);British Columbia Ministry of the Environment;National Aeronautics and Space Administration;and others - please see article; Projects : NNX15AW71A; Grant Number: NNX15AW71A