Abstract Detail

Transplantations and relocation of species at risk: learning from the past to plan for the future

Vasseur, Liette [1], Fredeen, Art [2].

Transplantations and relocation of species at risk: learning from the past to plan for the future.

Abstract describing the symposium Human activities such as urban development, agriculture, forestry, large infrastructures, have threatened plant diversity for decades. With climate change and globalization, these threats are even greater. Many plant species are now at risk due to environmental degradation, over exploitation or displacement for large projects. With changes in current geographic ranges, efforts to safeguard plant diversity, especially species that are at risk of extinction need to be defined or strengthened. One of the strategies for safeguarding plant species have been the use of relocation/transplantation from the threatened location to a new one. This strategy has encountered opposition in the past and remains controversial because of various reasons such as preservation of ecological systems, loss of genetic variability, etc. The present symposium aims to examine through presentations of case studies and experimental results what are the lessons learned from the past that can be used to define best practices and future research in this field. Significance and relevance to both BSA and CBA For the CBA, the rationale for this symposium is that in the 1980's a position paper regarding transplantation of species at risk was developed. Since researchers, NGOs and governmental agencies have continued to examine this strategy as a possible way to avoid species extinction or extirpation. At a round table discussion in June 2010, the CBA decided that it was time to review the position paper. Given that people from various sectors are transplanting (recovery teams, industry, municipalities, etc.), it is time to examine in depth this issue. It is apparent that regardless of the reason for transplanting, the conditions to help ensure success may be similar- the involvement of experts in the ecology of the species/natural area , land security, and ongoing management, monitoring and enforcement. Participants believe that the BSA and CBA, for example, could become an information source for organizations involved in transplanting, for expertise and guidance. This symposium can be followed by an informal group discussion would be important to first receive information and lessons learned from the past and then prepare best practices or criteria that should be looked as well as future research needed for this strategy. Since the many members of the BSA and CBA had expertise in this area, we believe that a joint symposium on this topic would be an effective way to collaborate and possibly develop a new joint position paper.

Broader Impacts:

1 - Brock University, Biological Sciences, 500 Glenridge Ave, St Catharines, ON, L2S3A1, Canada
2 - University of Northern British Columbia, Ecosystem Science and Management, 3333 University Way, Prince George, BC, V2N4Z9, Canada

Keywords:
endangered species
conservation
relocation
reintroduction
transplantation
population ecology.

Presentation Type: Symposium or Colloquium Presentation
Session: SY08
Location: Delaware A/Hyatt
Date: Wednesday, July 11th, 2012
Time: 8:00 AM
Number: SY08SUM
Abstract ID:28