The key elements of a comprehensive global mammal conservation strategy

Abstract

A global strategy is necessary to achieve the level of coordination, synergy and therefore optimization of resources to achieve the broad goal of conserving mammals worldwide. Key elements for the development of such a strategy include: an institutional subject that owns the strategy; broad conservation goals, quantitative targets derived from them and appropriate indicators; data on the distribution of species, their threats, the cost-effectiveness of conservation actions; and a set of methods for the identification of conservation priorities. Previous global mammal research investigated phylogeny, extinction risk, and the species and areas that should be regarded as global conservation priorities. This theme issue presents new key elements: an updated Red List Index, a new list of evolutionarily distinct and globally endangered species, new high-resolution mammal distribution models, a global connectivity analysis and scenarios of future mammal distribution based on climate and land-cover change. Area prioritization schemes account for mammalian phylogeny, governance and cost -benefit of measures to abate habitat loss. Three discussion papers lay the foundations for the development of a global unifying mammal conservation strategy, which should not be further deterred by the knowledge gaps still existing.

Global priorities for conservation across multiple dimensions of mammalian diversity

“…In response to growing concern about the future of biodiversity, the 10th Convention on Biological Diversity developed a strategic plan for 2011-2020 that introduced protection targets called the "Aichi Targets" to facilitate conservation action (5). One of the primary targets is to protect 17% of the global land surface (6), focusing on areas of particular importance for biodiversity and ecosystem services (7,8). Traditionally, global priority areas have been identified based on richness, species endemism, and vulnerability (9,10).…”

Mapping and navigating mammalian conservation: from analysis to action

“…For a wide-ranging species, for example, proximate threats may be most evident at smaller scales, but it is only at the ecologically relevant scale where the threats to its persistence can be addressed [70]. There has been a great deal of work on mammal priority setting at the global scale [71]. Yet, there are few actors in mammal conservation operating at this scale to influence.…”

Barents Sea polar bears (Ursus maritimus): population biology and anthropogenic threats

“…This is consistent with advice given to the international community with regard to conservation of mammals globally. Rondinini et al (2011) identified key elements for a successful largescale conservation strategy for mammals to include an institution with recognized authority, clear goals and objectives as well as relevant species data, a priority list and well developed indicators. Proposing international cooperation around the Convention on Biological Diversity as a possible starting point for a new global initiative for the conservation of mammals, Rondinini et al (2011) also suggest that an expanded version of the IUCN Red List would be a suitable future tool.…”

“…Rondinini et al (2011) identified key elements for a successful largescale conservation strategy for mammals to include an institution with recognized authority, clear goals and objectives as well as relevant species data, a priority list and well developed indicators. Proposing international cooperation around the Convention on Biological Diversity as a possible starting point for a new global initiative for the conservation of mammals, Rondinini et al (2011) also suggest that an expanded version of the IUCN Red List would be a suitable future tool. Wilson and co-workers point out that one of the main challenges in mammal conservation is prioritizing what to focus on, since ''we cannot do everything, everywhere, all the time'' (Wilson et al 2011(Wilson et al : 2670.…”