Recovery of imperiled species under the Endangered Species Act: The need for a new approach
Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment
By: J. Michael Scott, D. D. Goble, John A. Wiens, D. S. Wilcove, M. Bean, and Timothy D. Male
Links
- More information: Publisher Index Page (via DOI)
- Open Access Version: External Repository
- Download citation as: RIS | Dublin Core
Abstract
The recovery (delisting) of a threatened or endangered species is often accompanied by the expectation that conservation management of the species will no longer be necessary. However, the magnitude and pace of human impacts on the environment make it unlikely that substantial progress will be made in delisting many species unless the definition of "recovery" includes some form of active management. Preventing delisted species from again being at risk of extinction may require continuing, species-specific management actions. We characterize such species as "conservation-reliant", and suggest that viewing "recovery" as a continuum of states rather than as a simple "recovered/not recovered" dichotomy may enhance our ability to manage such species within the framework of the Endangered Species Act. With ongoing loss of habitat, disruption of natural disturbance regimes, and the increasing impacts of non-native invasive species, it is probable that the number of conservation-reliant species will increase. We propose the development of "recovery management agreements", with legally and biologically defensible contracts that would provide for continu-ing conservation management following delisting. The use of such formalized agreements will facilitate shared management responsibilities between federal wildlife agencies and other federal agencies, and with state, local, and tribal governments, as well as with private entities that have demonstrated the capability to meet the needs of conservation-reliant species. ?? The Ecological Society of America.
Suggested Citation
Scott, J.M., Goble, D.D., Wiens, J., Wilcove, D.S., Bean, M., and Male, T.D., 2005, Recovery of imperiled species under the Endangered Species Act: The need for a new approach: Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment, v. 3, no. 7, p. 383-389, https://doi.org/10.1890/1540-9295(2005)003[0383:ROISUT]2.0.CO;2.
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Recovery of imperiled species under the Endangered Species Act: The need for a new approach |
| Series title | Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment |
| DOI | 10.1890/1540-9295(2005)003[0383:ROISUT]2.0.CO;2 |
| Volume | 3 |
| Issue | 7 |
| Year Published | 2005 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Ecological Society of America |
| Description | 7 p. |
| First page | 383 |
| Last page | 389 |