Integrating species traits with extrinsic threats: closing the gap between predicting and preventing species declines

Murray, Kris A.; Rosauer, Dan F.; McCallum, Hamish; Skerratt, Lee F.

doi:10.1098/rspb.2010.1872

Cited by 128 publications

(194 citation statements)

References 44 publications

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“…A wealth of comparative studies has provided insights into why some species are more vulnerable than others, linking vulnerability to extinction with intrinsic species' traits and extrinsic factors (Purvis et al 2000, Cardillo et al 2008, Davidson et al 2009, Fritz et al 2009, Lee and Jetz 2010, Murray et al 2011, González-Suárez and Revilla 2013. However, apparently these studies have not contributed significantly to conservation practice partly because results are ambiguous (varying across taxa and regions) but also because conservation practice is generally not proactive (Cardillo and Meijaard 2012).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Which intrinsic traits predict vulnerability to extinction depends on the actual threatening processes

2013

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Citation: González-Suárez, M., A. Gómez, and E. Revilla. 2013. Which intrinsic traits predict vulnerability to extinction depends on the actual threatening processes. Ecosphere 4(6):76. http://dx.doi.org/10.1890/ES12-00380.1Abstract. Understanding what makes some species more vulnerable to extinction than others is an important challenge for conservation. Many comparative analyses have addressed this issue exploring how intrinsic and extrinsic traits associate with general estimates of vulnerability. However, these general estimates do not consider the actual threats that drive species to extinction and hence, are more difficult to translate into effective management. We provide an updated description of the types and spatial distribution of threats that affect mammals globally using data from the IUCN for 5941 species of mammals. Using these data we explore the links between intrinsic species traits and specific threats in order to identify key intrinsic features associated with particular drivers of extinction. We find that families formed by small-size habitat specialists are more likely to be threatened by habitat-modifying processes; whereas, families formed by larger mammals with small litter sizes are more likely to be threatened by processes that directly affect survival. These results highlight the importance of considering the actual threatening process in comparative studies. We also discuss the need to standardize and rank threat importance in global assessments such as the IUCN Red List to improve our ability to understand what makes some species more vulnerable to extinction than others.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Which intrinsic traits predict vulnerability to extinction depends on the actual threatening processes

2013

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“…We hypothesised that P. pengilleyi would be severely affected by these conditions because populations already have been reduced by chytridiomycosis (Hunter et al 2010) and the species has a highly restricted geographic range, low fecundity and is dependent on seasonal pools (Osborne 1989). Globally, restricted geographic range, low fecundity and the presence of multiple threatening processes are characteristics often associated with declining amphibian species (Cooper et al 2008, Murray et al 2011.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Decline of an endangered amphibian during an extreme climatic event

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Abstract. Climate change is a poorly understood, emerging threat to many amphibian species. One of the ways climate change is likely to affect amphibians is through increased recruitment failure associated with more frequent climatic extremes. To understand the risk posed by this threat, we combined 13 years of annual monitoring and multi-scaled habitat modelling at the site (n ¼ 60), pool (n ¼ 105) and nest (n ¼ 170) levels to investigate the decline of the endangered northern corroboree frog (Pseudophryne pengilleyi ), during the most severe drought on record in southern Australia. We documented the local extinction of 42% of P. pengilleyi breeding sites during the climatic extreme. Using logistic regression we investigated habitat variables associated with extinction sites. We found that locally extinct sites now resemble historically absent sites, with fewer pools, less water, and drying-related tree invasion. Extended periods of limited water availability at extinction sites is likely to have restricted breeding, contributing to localised extinctions. Habitat variables recorded at the pool and nest level did not significantly influence P. pengilleyi presence/absence, indicating that site level wetness had an overriding effect. We anticipate that increasing climate variability is likely to disproportionately threaten seasonal pool-breeding amphibian species, exacerbating the global amphibian biodiversity crisis. However, our work with P. pengilleyi suggests there are a range of simple habitat manipulations that could help to ameliorate the impacts.

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“…A disease investigation began in 1993 and the novel disease chytridiomycosis was found to be the cause of widespread amphibian declines and extinctions (Laurance et al 1996, Berger et al 1998. Now the disease is widespread throughout most of its preferred range and there are only a few uninfected populations where chytridiomycosis may have an impact on conservation (Murray et al 2010(Murray et al , 2011a(Murray et al , 2011d). …”

Section: P P R R E E F F a A C C E Ementioning

confidence: 99%

Using site-occupancy models to prepare for the spread of chytridiomyosis and identify factors affecting detectability of a cryptic susceptible species, the Tasmanian tree frog

2015

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Context The global reduction of amphibian biodiversity as a result of the disease chytridiomycosis (caused by the fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis; Bd) has highlighted the need to accurately detect local population declines in association with Bd presence. Although Bd has spread globally, some remote regions such as the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area (1.40 million ha; TWWHA) in Australia, remain largely, but not entirely, disease free. The Tasmanian tree frog (Litoria burrowsae) resides primarily within TWWHA boundaries, and is believed to be susceptible to chytridiomycosis. Aims In the absence of historical abundance data, we used a single-season multi-state site-occupancy model to investigate the impact of Bd on L. burrowsae populations, on factors affecting species detection and to inform ongoing surveillance and conservation. Methods We recorded frog detection and ranked call intensity (estimation of population size) from repeated independent surveys within a season to estimate the role of covariates, such as presence of Bd and environmental variables, on species occupancy and detection probability. Key results Modelling revealed large frog populations are more likely to be present at naturally formed than human-formed ponds, strong winds negatively affect detection of populations, and time after sunset affects detection of large populations. Large frog populations were more likely to be Bd-negative; however, models including Bd presence were not well supported, in part a result of the small number of Bd-positive sites recorded. Conclusions and Implications The utility of site-occupancy modelling in understanding the impact of disease on populations is little known, but has the potential to improve the accuracy and efficiency of many conservation programs.

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Integrating species traits with extrinsic threats: closing the gap between predicting and preventing species declines

Cited by 128 publications

References 44 publications

Which intrinsic traits predict vulnerability to extinction depends on the actual threatening processes

Which intrinsic traits predict vulnerability to extinction depends on the actual threatening processes

Decline of an endangered amphibian during an extreme climatic event

Using site-occupancy models to prepare for the spread of chytridiomyosis and identify factors affecting detectability of a cryptic susceptible species, the Tasmanian tree frog

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