Maximizing the success of assisted colonizations

Abstract

Climate change is causing spatio-temporal shifts in environmental conditions, and species that are not able to track suitable environments may face increased risks of extinction. Assisted colonization, a form of translocation, has been proposed as a tool to help species survive the impacts of climate change. Unfortunately, translocations generally have a low success rate, a well-documented fact that is not considered in most of the recent literature on assisted colonization. One of the main impediments to translocation success is inadequate planning. In this review, we argue that by using well-known analytical tools such as species distribution models and population dynamics modelling we can maximize the success of assisted colonization. In particular, we present guidelines as to which questions should be investigated when planning assisted colonization and suggest methods for answering them. Finally, we also highlight further implementation and research issues that remain to be solved for assisted colonizations to be efficient climate change adaptation tools.

How to Decide Whether to Move Species Threatened by Climate Change

“…Although analytical methods for making these predictions are rapidly evolving [20], these methods require time, effort, expertise, and most importantly, data. For any candidate species, it is therefore unlikely that all these predictions will be readily available.…”

Novel tradable instruments in the conservation of coral reefs, based on the coral gardening concept for reef restoration

“…Restored reefs will also allow the survival of other reef dwelling species that would otherwise become extinct in impacted areas. This rationale is suggested and discussed in terrestrial restoration of forests, parks and reserves (Benito-Garz on et al, 2013;Chauvenet et al, 2013) and is also worth emulating in the coral reef arena (Rinkevich, 2014(Rinkevich, , 2015.…”

Translocation of imperiled species under changing climates

“…Elevating a species to become a candidate for translocation entails decisions supporting the aforementioned biological need, expected benefit, and cost, along with the technical, institutional, and social feasibility of alternative management actions. Having begun this assessment, careful and specific project planning is required (Fig. ).…”