COS 104-6 - Implementing a Science-based Management Approach for Conserved Species and Habitats under Global Change

Abstract: San Diego County is a biodiversity hotspot with many threatened and endangered species. Multiple species conservation planning was initiated in the early 1990s. San Diego Association of Governments established the San Diego Management and Monitoring Program (SDMMP) in 2008 to coordinate regional monitoring and management across a multi-owner preserve system. SDMMP uses a science-based, collaborative, adaptive management framework for species and vegetation communities. The Management and Monitoring Strategic Plan (MSP Roadmap) provides prioritized monitoring and management objectives for 111 species, 11 vegetation communities, and 13 threats over 5-year planning cycles.

In developing the MSP Roadmap for 2017-2021, species were evaluated and prioritized into different management categories based on risk of persisting in the regional preserve system. Fifty-six highest risk species are addressed through species level monitoring and management. Fifty-five species are included in vegetation community monitoring and management. After prioritizing, SDMMP and partners determined distributions of prioritized species; developed and implemented species monitoring plans; conducted research studies to fill knowledge gaps; developed best management practices; compiled data and developed regional management plans; implemented management priorities; monitored management results and evaluated and updated priorities and objectives for the next planning cycle.

The magnitude and interaction of global and landscape-scale threats increased dramatically in 20 years so simply conserving land was insufficient to ensure species persistence in the preserve system. These threats increase chances of species extinctions, cause habitat degradation, and alter natural ecosystem functions. Monitoring and research show suites of species impacted by the same types of interacting threats. For example, species inhabiting fragmented shrublands are threatened by human altered fire regime and poor habitat recovery from invasion of nonnative grasses and prolonged drought. While threats may be similar, management strategies are species dependent. Some rare plant species are more resilient to threats, whereas others require active management to persist. Two co-occurring bird species of high conservation priority vary in life history traits, genetics, and ecology and benefit from different management strategies. Similarly, two federally-listed butterfly species have different risks of extinction based on distribution, life history traits, and population structure with different potentials for effective management.

In conclusion, conserving land to ensure persistence of species and natural habitats is insufficient in a world with global change. A science-based management framework can determine prioritized management strategies that best serve species. Collaboration with partners and prioritizing objectives over time are key to successful monitoring and management with limited funding.