Effective threatened species monitoring will not prevent species extinctions. But it does contribute to improved conservation outcomes. Just think: many extinctions may have been avoided if adequate knowledge of declines existed, and if this knowledge triggered actions to halt declining species trajectories. Monitoring is essential if we want to detect trends in abundance and distribution through time.
Monitoring means collecting and analysing repeated observations or measurements to identify changes, which then allows evaluation of management strategies. And anyone can be involved in monitoring threatened species – especially if they do so in a consistent manner, ideally using nationally agreed standard monitoring protocols.
Monitoring also measures the impacts of threatening processes – like bushfires, drought and invasive species. It also allows evaluation of the effectiveness of management responses. And is a powerful communication tool that allows for meaningful engagement with a broad range of stakeholders.
Speakers
- Dr Ashley Leedman (Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment, and Water)
- Holly Sitters (Australian Wildlife Conservancy)
- Dr Geoff Heard (TERN Australia)