14 – The multiple benefits of monitoring threatened species: Leadbeater’s possum^201Lessons learned
● (^) It is critical to maintain sufficient focus in a monitoring program to ensure that
high-quality monitoring of the target threatened species is maintained, even if
the packaging around those data is recast from time to time.
● (^) Researchers must be alert to opportunities for complementary studies that add
value to a threatened species monitoring program. For example, high-quality,
field-based empirical data can be useful in conservation planning,
environmental accounting and a range of other activities.
● (^) Threatened species monitoring programs will often have considerable potential
to have other ecological, social and policy benefits beyond those solely
associated with the direct work on a given target taxon. The champions of
threatened species monitoring programs need to be aware of these different
kinds of potential benefit.
● (^) Some threats are a direct result of human activities such as resource extraction.
Advocates for those resource extraction industries will fight to maintain those
industries, irrespective of the impacts on biodiversity, including threatened
species. Where there is conf lict between industry and conservation, the
champions of monitoring programs must be mentally prepared for the exploits
of industry operatives.
Acknowledgements
As of 2017, the various monitoring programs for Leadbeater’s possum have been a
34-year journey, with a myriad of fellow travellers. Some say that the first step is
always the hardest in any journey. Andrew Smith gave me the chance to take that
initial step. Ross Cunningham’s statistical expertise has been instrumental to the
scientific rigour of the monitoring program. Statistical expertise also has been
provided by Jeff Wood, Wade Blanchard and Alan Welsh. Field expertise from
several outstanding ANU staff including David Blair, Lachie McBurney, Chris
MacGregor and Ryan Incoll, with regular contributions from Damian Michael,
Mason Crane, Dan Florance, Thea O’Loughlin, Sachiko Okada, and numerous
others. Thanks to Tabitha Boyer for help with editing, and to Dave Kendall, Sarah
Legge, Natasha Robinson and Ben Scheele for comments.
References
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Blair D, McBurney L, Blanchard W, Banks S, Lindenmayer DB (2016) Disturbance
gradient shows logging affects plant functional groups more than fire. Ecological
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