Work

Breaking down abundance to understand conservation for small populations: A case study of North Atlantic right whales

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: The world is currently facing a biodiversity crisis and for many species, this is exacerbated by historic exploitation. Monitoring programs provide an integral tool to understand changes in abundance and the impact of threats informing conservation actions. However, measures of absolute abundance for management can be misleading, particularly when there is a biased sex ratio. Here we recommend focusing on the rate‐limiting cohort for management actions using the case of North Atlantic right whales. The North Atlantic right whale has a male‐biased sex ratio, with reproductively active females making up less than a fifth of the species. We highlight the importance of understanding and incorporating reproductive potential into management actions to provide species with the best chance of recovery.

Source: Conservation Science and Practice

DOI: 10.1111/csp2.13263

Authors: Joshua Reed, Peter Corkeron, Leslie New, Robert Harcourt

Institutions: Macquarie University, Griffith University, Ursinus College

Language: English

Topic: Marine animal studies overview

Subfield: Ecology

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Life below water, Life on land

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,040