An Objective Means of Species Status Assessment: Adapting the Delphi Technique

Abstract

A status assessment for wildlife species is necessary for many states in the United States with the authority to list species as endangered and threatened. Status may confer legal protection or conservation priority within a state. The methods used to define species status vary across states, but most rely on subjective determinations made by a group of experts. We adapted the Delphi Technique, a systematic method of reaching consensus, to achieve greater objectivity in determining the relative endangerment or stability of a species' population. We used the method to determine the status of birds native to New Jersey by having experts choose a status, enumerate their confidence in it and justify their choice, on forms via mail. We compiled results and sent them back to all participants to review the information anonymously provided by others and vote again on each status based on this information, as well as their own experience and opinion. We continued this process for 4 rounds, reaching consensus on the status of 91% of 283 species in breeding and nonbreeding seasons. We used the results to assign legal status of bird species in the state. We present this as an appropriate technique to attain greater objectivity in species status assessment.

The Delphi technique in ecology and biological conservation: applications and guidelines

“…Examples of first round questionnaires can be found in Clark et al . () and Gomez‐Zamalloa, Caparros & Ayanz (). Depending on the question type, subsequent rounds may involve ranking of the responses obtained in the first round (e.g.…”

“…In addition, the Delphi technique documents were critical in a legal challenge in conservation by Clark et al . (), who had used the Delphi technique to assign legal protection status of 283 bird species in New Jersey. The survey documents were used as evidence in resolving species status designations during legal disputes.…”

“…In addition, unlike face‐to face discussions in focus group discussions, the written feedback process of the Delphi technique makes the procedure retraceable and transparent and therefore useful in legal challenges (Clark et al . ; MacMillan & Marshall ; Geneletti ).…”

Filling evidence gaps with expert opinion: The use of Delphi analysis in least-cost modelling of functional connectivity

“…The first allowed experts to apply a confidence rating to their answers on a scale from one (low) to five (high) to improve the level of response accuracy (Novakowski & Wellar, 2008, p. 1493Clark, Applegate, Niles, & Dobkin, 2006). Secondly, experts were asked to provide explanatory notes on the decisions they made, with an additional opportunity to comment at the end of the questionnaire.…”

Rapid Assessment for Identifying Species of Greatest Conservation Need: Towards a Unified Approach

“…Purposes of the SWAPs are to identify threats, remediation, and habitats of species of greatest conservation need (SGCN; AFWA 2012). Expert opinion can be susceptible to the subjectivity, experience level, and knowledge breadth of the expert (Clark et al 2006;Halpern et al 2007;Donlan et al 2010). Species are periodically added or deleted from the SGCN list via public participation and best available information.…”