Developing an Analytical Context for Multispecies Conservation Planning

This chapter attempts to apply population modeling techniques that have been applied to single species, and use them to plan conservation strategies for multiple species when species are well known and have common life history features divisible into prereproductive and reproductive phases. Using three exemplary endangered species, we were able to ordinate them on a common response surface to analyze their sensitivity to habitat loss and fragmentation. The modeling strategy enables managers to assess which species are least sensitive to habitat loss, and therefore reduce costs in monitoring such species. Although at present, the strategy of protectin g biological diversity through protecting areas large enough to allow the persistence of habitat mosaics and dynamic processes of change within them is the most effective, the modeling strategy presented here is a promising addition to the tools available to managers, and merits further development. The method should be of most utility for sympatric species in habitats threatened by reduction and fragmentation.