Search

Search Results

• 1. [Article] Getting Plant Conservation Right (or Not): The Case of the United States

  Effective plant conservation includes addressing basic needs such as information about species distribution and rarity; research, management, education, and training capacity to mitigate threats facing ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Getting Plant Conservation Right (or Not): The Case of the United States Author: Havens, Kayri, Kramer, Andrea T., Guerrant, Edward O., Jr. Year: 2014 Effective plant conservation includes addressing basic needs such as information about species distribution and rarity; research, management, education, and training capacity to mitigate threats facing threatened species; policy and funding to support continued capacity and conservation; and, ultimately, a public that understands and supports the importance of plants and the need for their conservation. Coordination of plant conservation efforts is also needed to ensure that resources and expertise are used in a strategic, efficient, and effective manner.We argue that no country is currently getting plant conservation right; plants are becoming increasingly rare around the world. Plants are often not fully protected by policy, their conservation is underfunded, and their importance is underappreciated. However, some countries have progressed further than others. Here we outline areas where the United States is strong and highlight components that need work to meet the country’s plant conservation needs. Title: Getting Plant Conservation Right (or Not): The Case of the United States Author: Havens, Kayri, Kramer, Andrea T., Guerrant, Edward O., Jr. Year: 2014 Effective plant conservation includes addressing basic needs such as information about species distribution and rarity; research, management, education, and training capacity to mitigate threats facing threatened species; policy and funding to support continued capacity and conservation; and, ultimately, a public that understands and supports the importance of plants and the need for their conservation. Coordination of plant conservation efforts is also needed to ensure that resources and expertise are used in a strategic, efficient, and effective manner.We argue that no country is currently getting plant conservation right; plants are becoming increasingly rare around the world. Plants are often not fully protected by policy, their conservation is underfunded, and their importance is underappreciated. However, some countries have progressed further than others. Here we outline areas where the United States is strong and highlight components that need work to meet the country’s plant conservation needs. Close

• 2. [Article] Biological Science in Conservation

  Large-scale wildlands reserve systems offer one of the best hopes for slowing, if not reversing, the loss of biodiversity and wilderness. Establishing such reserves requires both sound biology and effective ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Biological Science in Conservation Author: Johns, David Year: 2000 Large-scale wildlands reserve systems offer one of the best hopes for slowing, if not reversing, the loss of biodiversity and wilderness. Establishing such reserves requires both sound biology and effective advocacy. Attempts by The Wildlands Project and its cooperators to meld science and advocacy in the service of conservation is working, but is not without some problems. Scientists and advocates have differences in methods of work, different understandings of the origins and place of values in conservation, and differing expectations about the efficacy of biological information in achieving protection. Despite these differences, successful relationships can be forged where these differences are recognized and made part of the conservation planning process. Title: Biological Science in Conservation Author: Johns, David Year: 2000 Large-scale wildlands reserve systems offer one of the best hopes for slowing, if not reversing, the loss of biodiversity and wilderness. Establishing such reserves requires both sound biology and effective advocacy. Attempts by The Wildlands Project and its cooperators to meld science and advocacy in the service of conservation is working, but is not without some problems. Scientists and advocates have differences in methods of work, different understandings of the origins and place of values in conservation, and differing expectations about the efficacy of biological information in achieving protection. Despite these differences, successful relationships can be forged where these differences are recognized and made part of the conservation planning process. Close

• 3. [Article] Is Ecotourism an Outdated Solution to Orangutan Conservation in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo?

  Since its inception, ecotourism has been presented as an ideal way to raise money and awareness for conservation while at the same time benefitting local communities. In the early 1960’s, orangutan rehabilitation ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Is Ecotourism an Outdated Solution to Orangutan Conservation in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo? Author: Thompson, Ellis E. Year: 2017 Since its inception, ecotourism has been presented as an ideal way to raise money and awareness for conservation while at the same time benefitting local communities. In the early 1960’s, orangutan rehabilitation centers in Malaysia and Indonesia began to integrate tourism into their fundraising efforts in order to reintroduce ex-captive orangutans back into the wild and provide education on the conservation of the species. This early integration of tourism led to a widely popular industry that today is thriving. The present research provides a review of the history and current perspectives of traditional orangutan tourism and the more novel wild orangutan ecotourism in the state of Sabah, Malaysian Borneo, to assess whether ecotourism is an appropriate future solution to orangutan conservation. Due to a lack of evidence supporting claims that ecotourism is a panacea for conservation, it is suggested that further research be carried out on the ecological role that orangutans play in their habitats as seed dispersers, and that educational programs surrounding orangutans’ ecological roles may provide a more sustainable method of promoting conservation. Title: Is Ecotourism an Outdated Solution to Orangutan Conservation in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo? Author: Thompson, Ellis E. Year: 2017 Since its inception, ecotourism has been presented as an ideal way to raise money and awareness for conservation while at the same time benefitting local communities. In the early 1960’s, orangutan rehabilitation centers in Malaysia and Indonesia began to integrate tourism into their fundraising efforts in order to reintroduce ex-captive orangutans back into the wild and provide education on the conservation of the species. This early integration of tourism led to a widely popular industry that today is thriving. The present research provides a review of the history and current perspectives of traditional orangutan tourism and the more novel wild orangutan ecotourism in the state of Sabah, Malaysian Borneo, to assess whether ecotourism is an appropriate future solution to orangutan conservation. Due to a lack of evidence supporting claims that ecotourism is a panacea for conservation, it is suggested that further research be carried out on the ecological role that orangutans play in their habitats as seed dispersers, and that educational programs surrounding orangutans’ ecological roles may provide a more sustainable method of promoting conservation. Close

• 4. [Article] Defining Conservation Priorities for Freshwater Fishes According to Taxonomic, Functional, and Phylogenetic Diversity

  To date, the predominant use of systematic conservation planning has been to evaluate and conserve areas of high terrestrial biodiversity. Although studies in freshwater ecosystems have received recent ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Defining Conservation Priorities for Freshwater Fishes According to Taxonomic, Functional, and Phylogenetic Diversity Author: Strecker, Angela L., Olden, Julian D., Whittier, Joanna B., Paukert, Craig Patrick Year: 2011 To date, the predominant use of systematic conservation planning has been to evaluate and conserve areas of high terrestrial biodiversity. Although studies in freshwater ecosystems have received recent attention, research has rarely considered the potential trade-offs between protecting different dimensions of biodiversity and the ecological processes that maintain diversity. We provide the first systematic prioritization for freshwaters (focusing on the highly threatened and globally distinct fish fauna of the Lower Colorado River Basin, USA) simultaneously considering scenarios of: taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic diversity; contemporary threats to biodiversity (including interactions with nonnative species); and future climate change and human population growth. There was 75% congruence between areas of highest conservation priority for different aspects of biodiversity, suggesting that conservation efforts can concurrently achieve strong complementarity among all types of diversity. However, sizable fractions of the landscape were incongruent across conservation priorities for different diversity scenarios, underscoring the importance of considering multiple dimensions of biodiversity and highlighting catchments that contribute disproportionately to taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic diversity in the region. Regions of projected human population growth were not concordant with conservation priorities; however, higher human population abundance will likely have indirect effects on native biodiversity by increasing demand for water. This will come in direct conflict with projected reductions in precipitation and warmer temperatures, which have substantial overlap with regions of high contemporary diversity. Native and endemic fishes in arid ecosystems are critically endangered by both current and future threats, but our results highlight the use of systematic conservation planning for the optimal allocation of limited resources that incorporates multiple and complementary conservation values describing taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic diversity. Title: Defining Conservation Priorities for Freshwater Fishes According to Taxonomic, Functional, and Phylogenetic Diversity Author: Strecker, Angela L., Olden, Julian D., Whittier, Joanna B., Paukert, Craig Patrick Year: 2011 To date, the predominant use of systematic conservation planning has been to evaluate and conserve areas of high terrestrial biodiversity. Although studies in freshwater ecosystems have received recent attention, research has rarely considered the potential trade-offs between protecting different dimensions of biodiversity and the ecological processes that maintain diversity. We provide the first systematic prioritization for freshwaters (focusing on the highly threatened and globally distinct fish fauna of the Lower Colorado River Basin, USA) simultaneously considering scenarios of: taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic diversity; contemporary threats to biodiversity (including interactions with nonnative species); and future climate change and human population growth. There was 75% congruence between areas of highest conservation priority for different aspects of biodiversity, suggesting that conservation efforts can concurrently achieve strong complementarity among all types of diversity. However, sizable fractions of the landscape were incongruent across conservation priorities for different diversity scenarios, underscoring the importance of considering multiple dimensions of biodiversity and highlighting catchments that contribute disproportionately to taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic diversity in the region. Regions of projected human population growth were not concordant with conservation priorities; however, higher human population abundance will likely have indirect effects on native biodiversity by increasing demand for water. This will come in direct conflict with projected reductions in precipitation and warmer temperatures, which have substantial overlap with regions of high contemporary diversity. Native and endemic fishes in arid ecosystems are critically endangered by both current and future threats, but our results highlight the use of systematic conservation planning for the optimal allocation of limited resources that incorporates multiple and complementary conservation values describing taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic diversity. Close

• 5. [Article] A Test of Conservation for Continuous and Discontinuous Quantity in the Very Young Child

  The development of mathematical concepts in children has been studied by many researchers. Much of this research has focused on the concept of conservation which was introduced by Piaget. It has generally ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: A Test of Conservation for Continuous and Discontinuous Quantity in the Very Young Child Author: Kaye, Nancy Patrick Year: 1976 The development of mathematical concepts in children has been studied by many researchers. Much of this research has focused on the concept of conservation which was introduced by Piaget. It has generally been assumed that children under the age of five years are not capable of such conservation. Some recent evidence suggests that children Wlder this age do conserve on particular tasks. In this study one hundred children from age two years four months to three years seven months were tested for conservation of discontinuous and continuous quantity. Although some evidence of conservation in this age range was obtained, no consistent pattern emerged. An edible dough was used, so that both verbal (noneating) and nonverbal (eating) responses were recorded for children of these ages. A three-factor analysis of variance showed that there were no significant effects from age, eating/noneating, or continuous/discontinuous variables. However, there was a significant but puzzling interaction between the ccnt.inuous/discontinuous and eating/noneating factors. Title: A Test of Conservation for Continuous and Discontinuous Quantity in the Very Young Child Author: Kaye, Nancy Patrick Year: 1976 The development of mathematical concepts in children has been studied by many researchers. Much of this research has focused on the concept of conservation which was introduced by Piaget. It has generally been assumed that children under the age of five years are not capable of such conservation. Some recent evidence suggests that children Wlder this age do conserve on particular tasks. In this study one hundred children from age two years four months to three years seven months were tested for conservation of discontinuous and continuous quantity. Although some evidence of conservation in this age range was obtained, no consistent pattern emerged. An edible dough was used, so that both verbal (noneating) and nonverbal (eating) responses were recorded for children of these ages. A three-factor analysis of variance showed that there were no significant effects from age, eating/noneating, or continuous/discontinuous variables. However, there was a significant but puzzling interaction between the ccnt.inuous/discontinuous and eating/noneating factors. Close

• 6. [Article] Acoustic Monitoring of Marine Conservation Areas

  This paper introduces underwater sensing technologies for acoustic monitoring of marine conservation areas. Small networks of individual passive acoustic sensors have been deployed to investigate a low-cost ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Acoustic Monitoring of Marine Conservation Areas Author: Zurk, Lisa, Ou, Helen, Schecklman, Scott, Lutwak, Ayal Year: 2014 This paper introduces underwater sensing technologies for acoustic monitoring of marine conservation areas. Small networks of individual passive acoustic sensors have been deployed to investigate a low-cost solution for monitoring motorized vessels and marine ambient noise in large areas. A data processing package, called “Conservancy-Watch,” is introduced for environmental management and conservation of natural resources. The package includes passive sensing database creation, ambient noise monitoring to identify long-term trends and impacts, classification of organic and boat vessel events, detection of marine mammals and estimation of their call density, and detection of motorized vessels. Test results on data collected at several conservation sites in Hawaii have confirmed the detection capability of individual hydrophone sensors. Title: Acoustic Monitoring of Marine Conservation Areas Author: Zurk, Lisa, Ou, Helen, Schecklman, Scott, Lutwak, Ayal Year: 2014 This paper introduces underwater sensing technologies for acoustic monitoring of marine conservation areas. Small networks of individual passive acoustic sensors have been deployed to investigate a low-cost solution for monitoring motorized vessels and marine ambient noise in large areas. A data processing package, called “Conservancy-Watch,” is introduced for environmental management and conservation of natural resources. The package includes passive sensing database creation, ambient noise monitoring to identify long-term trends and impacts, classification of organic and boat vessel events, detection of marine mammals and estimation of their call density, and detection of motorized vessels. Test results on data collected at several conservation sites in Hawaii have confirmed the detection capability of individual hydrophone sensors. Close

• 7. [Article] Investigating Student Understanding of the Law of Conservation of Matter

  The purpose of this study was to gather information about how students learn the foundational concept of conservation of matter during a non-chemistry unit on the rock cycle. The unit covered the rock ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Investigating Student Understanding of the Law of Conservation of Matter Author: Tremel, Shirley Lynn Year: 2011 The purpose of this study was to gather information about how students learn the foundational concept of conservation of matter during a non-chemistry unit on the rock cycle. The unit covered the rock cycle, rock types, and the law of conservation of matter and took place in a sixth grade classroom of 30 students. A mixed methods, quasi-experimental, pre-post, delayed post design was used to measure student understanding of the concept of conservation of matter as it relates to the rock cycle. Students made significant learning gains from pre-test to post-test and showed mastery in less complex subject areas, but struggled to learn the more complex concept of conservation of matter. More research is needed in order to gain a greater understanding of how students learn difficult foundational concepts such as conservation of matter, and how they are able to apply their understanding across disciplines in science. This study offers suggestions for future work including a series of questions to assess student misconceptions about matter, and how to use those questions to measure students' ability to transfer knowledge to different learning contexts. The recommended questions ask students to transfer knowledge from the conservation of matter as it applies to the rock cycle to chemistry concepts including conservation of matter, mass and volume. Title: Investigating Student Understanding of the Law of Conservation of Matter Author: Tremel, Shirley Lynn Year: 2011 The purpose of this study was to gather information about how students learn the foundational concept of conservation of matter during a non-chemistry unit on the rock cycle. The unit covered the rock cycle, rock types, and the law of conservation of matter and took place in a sixth grade classroom of 30 students. A mixed methods, quasi-experimental, pre-post, delayed post design was used to measure student understanding of the concept of conservation of matter as it relates to the rock cycle. Students made significant learning gains from pre-test to post-test and showed mastery in less complex subject areas, but struggled to learn the more complex concept of conservation of matter. More research is needed in order to gain a greater understanding of how students learn difficult foundational concepts such as conservation of matter, and how they are able to apply their understanding across disciplines in science. This study offers suggestions for future work including a series of questions to assess student misconceptions about matter, and how to use those questions to measure students' ability to transfer knowledge to different learning contexts. The recommended questions ask students to transfer knowledge from the conservation of matter as it applies to the rock cycle to chemistry concepts including conservation of matter, mass and volume. Close

• 8. [Article] Mapping Conservation Opportunity Areas for the Intertwine's Regional Conservation Strategy

  As part of efforts to develop the Regional Conservation Strategy (RCS) for the greater Portland-Vancouver region, Oregon State University’s Institute for Natural Resources (INR) was asked to use spatial ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Mapping Conservation Opportunity Areas for the Intertwine's Regional Conservation Strategy Author: Burcsu, Theresa, Kagan, James S. Year: 2011 As part of efforts to develop the Regional Conservation Strategy (RCS) for the greater Portland-Vancouver region, Oregon State University’s Institute for Natural Resources (INR) was asked to use spatial modeling to identify conservation opportunity areas (COAs). To complete the project, INR analysts proposed a strategy that would map high value areas using a landscape approach that is focused on relatively high spatial resolution data sets available for the whole metropolitan region. The approach creates 2 main metrics: one focused on terrestrial organisms and the other focused on aquatic and riparian organisms. These are combined to create a map of highly ranked land areas that can be used to formulate a map of conservation opportunity areas. The purpose of the COA mapping project was to use geographic information system methods to identify landscape patches with conservation and restoration potential. The criteria used to identify these high value patches was based on a number of base- and derived-data sets that we call “data inputs.” The data ranged from recently mapped land use and land cover types, hydrological data to indicate species habitat requirements, and road influence on habitat patches. The project identified some areas in which data gaps exist (e.g., region-wide biodiversity data collected and mapped in consistent ways) and some opportunities for improving existent data sets (e.g., land use/land cover map). The project provided several layers that can be used to guide the final Regional Conservation Strategy in selecting conservation opportunity areas. The best layer will depend upon the needs of the RCS efforts, however, in our opinion the most appropriate layer to use is COA 3.11.1 which weights wetlands fairly high, but not as highly as the second data draft. COA 3.10.1 offers similar results as well. Overall it appears that the model results corroborate corridors analysis done previously (Hennings and Soll 2010). There are some issues remaining that we feel can most adequately be addressed by updating the base land use/land cover map. Title: Mapping Conservation Opportunity Areas for the Intertwine's Regional Conservation Strategy Author: Burcsu, Theresa, Kagan, James S. Year: 2011 As part of efforts to develop the Regional Conservation Strategy (RCS) for the greater Portland-Vancouver region, Oregon State University’s Institute for Natural Resources (INR) was asked to use spatial modeling to identify conservation opportunity areas (COAs). To complete the project, INR analysts proposed a strategy that would map high value areas using a landscape approach that is focused on relatively high spatial resolution data sets available for the whole metropolitan region. The approach creates 2 main metrics: one focused on terrestrial organisms and the other focused on aquatic and riparian organisms. These are combined to create a map of highly ranked land areas that can be used to formulate a map of conservation opportunity areas. The purpose of the COA mapping project was to use geographic information system methods to identify landscape patches with conservation and restoration potential. The criteria used to identify these high value patches was based on a number of base- and derived-data sets that we call “data inputs.” The data ranged from recently mapped land use and land cover types, hydrological data to indicate species habitat requirements, and road influence on habitat patches. The project identified some areas in which data gaps exist (e.g., region-wide biodiversity data collected and mapped in consistent ways) and some opportunities for improving existent data sets (e.g., land use/land cover map). The project provided several layers that can be used to guide the final Regional Conservation Strategy in selecting conservation opportunity areas. The best layer will depend upon the needs of the RCS efforts, however, in our opinion the most appropriate layer to use is COA 3.11.1 which weights wetlands fairly high, but not as highly as the second data draft. COA 3.10.1 offers similar results as well. Overall it appears that the model results corroborate corridors analysis done previously (Hennings and Soll 2010). There are some issues remaining that we feel can most adequately be addressed by updating the base land use/land cover map. Close

• 9. [Article] The Wildlands Project Outside North America

  The Wildlands Project seeks to create a connected system of protected areas across North America that will ensure the survival of all native species, including top predators and wideranging species, in ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The Wildlands Project Outside North America Author: Johns, David Year: 2003 The Wildlands Project seeks to create a connected system of protected areas across North America that will ensure the survival of all native species, including top predators and wideranging species, in the context of fully functioning ecosystems. Core protected areas are designated based on the biological needs of key species and the requirements of critical ecological processes. To work they must have, or will be restored to have, those attributes traditionally ascribed to wilderness. Some critics argue that The Wildlands Project model is inapplicable to other parts of the world, especially the developing world. The inapplicability is based on nonbiological considerations. The applicability of Wildlands type conservation outside of North America is examined in light of largescale conservation work in Latin America and Asia. In both regions, conservation efforts similar to those of The Wildlands Project are underway and show promise. There are important differences, but the similarities are significant enough to suggest the approach can be applied. The similarities between conservation work in North America, Latin America, and Asia is attributable in some cases to Wildlands Project influence. In other cases, similarities are due to similar strategies emerging from similar conditions leading to species loss. Title: The Wildlands Project Outside North America Author: Johns, David Year: 2003 The Wildlands Project seeks to create a connected system of protected areas across North America that will ensure the survival of all native species, including top predators and wideranging species, in the context of fully functioning ecosystems. Core protected areas are designated based on the biological needs of key species and the requirements of critical ecological processes. To work they must have, or will be restored to have, those attributes traditionally ascribed to wilderness. Some critics argue that The Wildlands Project model is inapplicable to other parts of the world, especially the developing world. The inapplicability is based on nonbiological considerations. The applicability of Wildlands type conservation outside of North America is examined in light of largescale conservation work in Latin America and Asia. In both regions, conservation efforts similar to those of The Wildlands Project are underway and show promise. There are important differences, but the similarities are significant enough to suggest the approach can be applied. The similarities between conservation work in North America, Latin America, and Asia is attributable in some cases to Wildlands Project influence. In other cases, similarities are due to similar strategies emerging from similar conditions leading to species loss. Close

• 10. [Article] Establishing the Conservative Genre: The Beginning of Political Censorship or Business as Usual?

  Is it reasonable to classify books written by today’s far-right conservative authors as belonging to their own distinct genre, and if so, is the hesitation of mainstream publishers to acquire these books ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Establishing the Conservative Genre: The Beginning of Political Censorship or Business as Usual? Author: La Bianca, Vi Rose Year: 2017 Is it reasonable to classify books written by today’s far-right conservative authors as belonging to their own distinct genre, and if so, is the hesitation of mainstream publishers to acquire these books the beginning of political censorship or simply business as usual? This paper will seek to suggest that not only does conservative literature qualify as its own genre, but also that accepting this categorization can help increase conservative titles’ visibility and sales. Title: Establishing the Conservative Genre: The Beginning of Political Censorship or Business as Usual? Author: La Bianca, Vi Rose Year: 2017 Is it reasonable to classify books written by today’s far-right conservative authors as belonging to their own distinct genre, and if so, is the hesitation of mainstream publishers to acquire these books the beginning of political censorship or simply business as usual? This paper will seek to suggest that not only does conservative literature qualify as its own genre, but also that accepting this categorization can help increase conservative titles’ visibility and sales. Close