Relocating Animals Effected By Climate Change
This article proposes a framework to perform rigorous, quantitative cost/benefit analysis of proposals to relocate plant and animal species threatened by climate change. The framework is consistent with the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s guidelines, and can be used to evaluate a single proposed relocation, to compare species as well as strategies or locations, and to focus future research by pinpointing areas where data is insufficient.
[Abstract excerpted from original source.]
“Introducing species to areas outside their historical range to secure their future under climate change is a controversial strategy for preventing extinction. While the debate over the wisdom of this strategy continues, such introductions are already taking place. Previous frameworks for analysing the decision to introduce have lacked a quantifiable management objective and mathematically rigorous problem formulation. Here we develop the first rigorous quantitative framework for deciding whether or not a particular introduction should go ahead, which species to prioritize for introduction, and where and how to introduce them. It can also be used to compare introduction with alternative management actions, and to prioritise questions for future research. We apply the framework to a case study of tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus) in New Zealand. While simple and accessible, this framework can accommodate uncertainty in predictions and values. It provides essential support for the existing IUCN guidelines by presenting a quantitative process for better decision-making about conservation introductions.”