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- Title
Moose (Alces alces americana [Gray Linnaeus Clinton] Peterson) as a Focal Species for Reserve Design in Nova Scotia, Canada.
- Authors
Snaith, Tamaini V.; Beazley, Karen F.
- Abstract
In conservation planning, it is generally not practical to investigate the needs of every species in an area. Focal species analysis is a useful tool in protected area planning because it allows conservation efforts to target a suite of species that deserve special management attention, such as wideranging (umbrella), functionally important (dominant or keystone), charismatic (flagship), vulnerable, and sensitive (indicator) species. Appropriate reserve design requires a multi-species approach because no single species can act as a surrogate for all other species and ecosystem components. In all cases, focal species must be chosen carefully, and assumed ecological roles must be validated through research. In Nova Scotia, moose (Alces alces americana [Gray Linnaeus Clinton] Peterson) is an ideal focal species because it meets the functional requirements of all categories of focal species analysis. First, habitat conservation for a wide-ranging species such as moose will capture habitat for many other species. Second, as major herbivores, moose are functionally important within the ecosystems. Third, because moose are large and charismatic, and because the mainland Nova Scotia herd represents a special remnant native population, support for moose conservation should be widespread both publicly and scientifically. Fourth, the remnant indigenous sub-population is at risk; however, there may be enough moose to recover and persist if appropriate conservation strategies are adopted. Last, because moose have large area requirements, are long lived, slow to reproduce, and can be sensitive to habitat alteration and contamination, they represent a good indicator by which environmental quality and change can be monitored.
- Subjects
NOVA Scotia; CANADA; MOOSE; PROTECTED areas; WILDLIFE conservation
- Publication
Natural Areas Journal, 2002, Vol 22, Issue 3, p235
- ISSN
0885-8608
- Publication type
Article