190 Monitoring Threatened Species and Ecological Communities
● (^) doubt as to whether the observed changes are real, statistically and socio-
politically
● (^) incomplete understanding of the situation or the significance of the changes
(e.g. how extensive are the changes, is it just part of a natural cycle, does it
affect the viability of populations or species?)
● (^) uncertainty and speculation as to the drivers of change and/or the appropriate
response
● (^) dissenting perspectives and controversy, particularly those arising from
differing vested interests
● (^) limitations in the skills, resources and/or support to adequately recognise the
issue and respond.
An appropriate use of scientific rigour and/or a logical or rational approach to
recognising and resolving conservation issues is important to overcoming many of
these obstacles to effective conservation (e.g. Caughley 1994). So too is effective
communication and engagement with key decision makers and stakeholders.
Furthermore, an active adaptive management approach is essential to ensure that
the actions/inactions committed to have the desired outcomes and that perverse or
adverse effects do not occur or are mitigated.
Lessons learned
● (^) Long-term monitoring can have multiple benefits.
● (^) Use a strategic approach to adaptive monitoring – a practical solution to the
need for more data than available resources can support. This allows for
structured variation in temporal and spatial resolution, depth and breadth of
data collection.
● (^) Use multiple methods for any one species and include a suite of species, to
improve inference and confidence.
● (^) Establish adequate baselines and include covariates in data collection.
● (^) Regular analysis and reporting that effectively communicates to the target
audiences.
● (^) Ensure the monitoring is closely linked to management and research.
● (^) Understand the motivators and obstacles to effective conservation so that
responses to evidence are timely and appropriate.
References
Bain K (2013) ‘Western Shield Strategic Review 2013’. Department of Parks and
Wildlife, Perth WA.
Bennett MD, Reiss A, Stevens H, Heylen E, Van Ranst M, Wayne AF, et al. 2010) The
first complete papillomavirus genome characterized from a marsupial host: a novel