414 Monitoring Threatened Species and Ecological Communities
synthesises views on purpose, processes underpinning decisions and outcomes,
and the strengths and constraints particular to threatened species monitoring
programs. A commonly held view among all practitioners was that those directly
involved with monitoring recognise its purpose, benefits and constraints, but
others frequently do not understand or endorse these reasons. A synthesis of
perspectives revealed that: (1) processes and decisions such as the selection of
species to monitor are often inf luenced by external factors (e.g. funding, political
priorities) as well as internal priorities; (2) a similar set of key components for good
monitoring are recognised by all practitioners, but there are obstacles that prevent
these components from being put into place; and (3) the strengths and constraints
of monitoring programs specified by different practitioners are related to their
organisational perspective. Overall, the essential ingredients for effective
monitoring were identified as good design and methods, adequate resources,
capable data management systems, integration with management, organisational
support, effective communication and engagement with people. These components
aligned with principles identified in Chapters 2 and 35. Understanding the issues,
strengths and constraints faced by monitoring practitioners provides context for
improving threatened species monitoring programs.
Introduction
Much knowledge can be gained by collating the collective wisdom and experiences
of experts in threatened species monitoring (Burbidge et al. 2011; Martin et al.
2012). Practitioners in this field include managers, researchers, consultants and
policy makers, and their roles can range from planning and implementing
monitoring programs to incorporating monitoring information into other
programs, policy and practice. These diverse roles and organisational affiliations
(e.g. management, non-management and academic institutions) enable
practitioners to offer unique insights into threatened species monitoring programs.
Insights can vary according to a particular organisational perspective and/or
practitioner role within that organisation. For example, certain elements of a
monitoring program can have greater importance, specific factors may be
considered in the design, processes may differ and the outcomes may have more or
less impact on species conservation and management.
Sharing experiences and knowledge can reveal the depth and breadth of issues
faced by threatened species monitoring practitioners and complement evidence-
based conservation (Fazey et al. 2006). Certain issues may be common to many
practitioners; highlighting these key areas of concern can place greater emphasis
on finding solutions or improving approaches. Equally, there may be many unique
and idiosyncratic issues (e.g. organisation-specific) across the spectrum of
organisational affiliations; the diversity of issues can then inform the scale and