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Glimmers of hope in large carnivore recoveries

Authors :
Kurt E. Ingeman
Lily Z. Zhao
Christopher Wolf
David R. Williams
Amelia L. Ritger
William J. Ripple
Kai L. Kopecky
Erin M. Dillon
Bartholomew P. DiFiore
Joseph S. Curtis
Samantha R. Csik
An Bui
Adrian C. Stier
Source :
Scientific Reports, Vol 12, Iss 1, Pp 1-13 (2022)
Publication Year :
2022
Publisher :
Nature Portfolio, 2022.

Abstract

Abstract In the face of an accelerating extinction crisis, scientists must draw insights from successful conservation interventions to uncover promising strategies for reversing broader declines. Here, we synthesize cases of recovery from a list of 362 species of large carnivores, ecologically important species that function as terminal consumers in many ecological contexts. Large carnivores represent critical conservation targets that have experienced historical declines as a result of direct exploitation and habitat loss. We examine taxonomic and geographic variation in current extinction risk and recovery indices, identify conservation actions associated with positive outcomes, and reveal anthropogenic threats linked to ongoing declines. We find that fewer than 10% of global large carnivore populations are increasing, and only 12 species (3.3%) have experienced genuine improvement in extinction risk, mostly limited to recoveries among marine mammals. Recovery is associated with species legislation enacted at national and international levels, and with management of direct exploitation. Conversely, ongoing declines are robustly linked to threats that include habitat modification and human conflict. Applying lessons from cases of large carnivore recovery will be crucial for restoring intact ecosystems and maintaining the services they provide to humans.

Subjects

Subjects :
Medicine
Science

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
20452322
Volume :
12
Issue :
1
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Scientific Reports
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.95aca66d81f04aada734efdaab6f30a9
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-13671-7