Strengths and vulnerabilities of Australian networks for conservation of threatened birds

Abstract

We analysed the supportive social networks associated with the conservation of six threatened Australian bird taxa, in one of the first network analyses of threatened species conservation programmes. Each example showed contrasting vulnerabilities. The Alligator Rivers yellow chat Epthianura crocea tunneyi had the smallest social network and no real action was supported. For the Capricorn yellow chat Epthianura crocea macgregori the network was centred on one knowledgeable and committed actor. The orange-bellied parrot Neophema chrysogaster had a strongly connected recovery team but gaps in the overall network could limit communication. The recovery teams for the swift parrot Lathamus discolor and Baudin's black-cockatoo Calyptorhynchus baudinii had strong links among most stakeholders but had weak ties to the timber industry and orchardists, respectively, limiting their capacity to manage threatening processes. Carnaby's black cockatoo Calyptorhynchus latirostris seemed to have the most effective social network of any of the taxa studied but may be vulnerable to skill shortages. In each case the network analysis pointed to gaps that could be filled to enhance the conservation effort, and highlighted the importance of recovery teams. The research suggests that formal network analysis could assist in the design of more effective support mechanisms for the conservation of threatened species.

How to ensure threatened species monitoring leads to threatened species conservation

“…illegal shooting, insufficient tree hollows) (Holmes et al . ). Consideration of additional stakeholder values, beyond that of monitoring threatened species, may further require development of compatible goals, or the design of multi‐objective programs.…”

“…), creating social connections between diverse people and groups (Holmes et al . ), and highlighting health, economic and societal benefits (Keith et al . ), may not be the primary reason to monitor but can be important for other parts of society and contribute to conservation initiatives (Ives & Kendal ).…”

“…In the case of the nationally vulnerable Baudin's Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus baudinii), limited representation and ad hoc engagement with the fruit growing and timber industries effectively ignored links between these industries and the primary threats (e.g. illegal shooting, insufficient tree hollows) (Holmes et al 2017). Consideration of additional stakeholder values, beyond that of monitoring threatened species, may further require development of compatible goals, or the design of multiobjective programs.…”

“…Multiple values are inherent in threatened species monitoring, including tracking changes in populations, evaluating management performance and effectiveness, and contributing to improved biodiversity conservation. Extrinsic values, such as empowering local communities (Ens et al 2012), creating social connections between diverse people and groups (Holmes et al 2017), and highlighting health, economic and societal benefits (Keith et al 2017), may not be the primary reason to monitor but can be important for other parts of society and contribute to conservation initiatives (Ives & Kendal 2014). These diverse values are often lost in the overwhelming tide of negative stories about the future of threatened species and ongoing extinctions.…”

The role of project management in threatened species recovery

“…As early in 1994, Backhouse et al (1994) argued that a review of efforts is crucial for the success of future recovery programs. More recent research identifies issues around cost effectiveness, the need for improved prioritization methods, as well the requirement for better systems for reporting, monitoring and evaluation processes, improved and streamlined legislation and stakeholder engagement (Lindenmayer et al , 2013; Frankham et al , 2012; Woinarski et al , 2016; Crees et al , 2016; Holmes et al , 2016). Furthermore, the lack of decision-making and timely action to save a species has also been blamed (Martin et al , 2012; Woinarski et al , 2016).…”