Mammal Conservation

Global Patterns

• One in four mammals are threatened with extinction

• Populations of one in two mammal species is declining

Schipper et al. (2008) Science 322:255-230

Number of globally threatened species

If we don’t see them, does it count?

Schipper et al. (2008) Science 322:255-230

Number of new species described since 1992

Major Threats

Habitat Loss Harvesting

Accidental Mortality Pollution

Schipper et al. (2008) Science 322:255-230

Numbers of species affected by: (B) Habitat loss; (C) Harvesting; (D) Accidental mortality; and (E) Pollution

Davidson A D et al. PNAS 2009;106:10702-10705

Ecological pathways to extinction

Ecological pathways to extinction

Davidson A D et al. PNAS 2009;106:10702-10705

Habitat Loss and Mammal Populations

• Habitat loss and degradation affects 40% of mammal species

• Deforestation is largest threat • Largely in Africa, Asia and S. America

Red Panda (Ailurus fulgens)

• Less than 10,000 individuals

• Estimated 10% decline per year

• Deforestation is major threat to persistence

Red Panda Conservation

• Some protected areas in India and China (only ~1/3 of potential habitat)

• Some captive breeding

programs

Black-footed Ferret (Mustela nigripes)

• Thought to be extinct from combination of disease and habitat loss

• Colony discovered in Meeteetse, WY

• Remaining 18 ferrets captured and developed a breeding program

Black-footed Ferret Conservation

• Detailed and aggressive recovery plan

• >7000 ferrets born in captivity

• ~350 breeding adults on 4 sites

Harvesting • Hunting for food, medicine or materials • Affects ~17% of mammals worldwide • Larger mammals (e.g., Primates, Carnivora,

Perissodactyla) targeted

Mountain Gorilla (Gorilla beringei)

• Occur in highly unstable region of Africa

• Body parts are sold to collectors

• Incidentally caught in snares

• Entire population ~480 individuals

Mountain Gorilla Conservation • Local conservation laws

are in place, but are rarely enforced

• Civil unrest makes it hard

to survey; majority of geographic range in rebel-held territory in DRC

Javan Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros sondaicus)

• Occur on island of Java in Indonesia

• Last remaining individual was poached in Vietnam ~2 yrs ago

• Only ~44 individuals remain

Javan Rhino Conservation

• 1 population in Ujung Kulon National Park

• No poaching in last

decade • Population threatened

by invasive arenga palm

Harvest as a selective force

• Harvesting large bodied, big-horned males

• Inherited decrease in both these

traits

Coltman et al. 2003. Nature 426: 655-658.

But, trophy hunting for conservation?

• Financial incentive to stop poaching and conserve habitats

• Recent ban on lion hunting reduced hunting revenues by 10% ($1.26 million)

• VERY contentious. Widespread corruption may limit successful iplementation

Accidental Mortality

• Affects 78% of marine mammals

• Mostly through fishing practices and propeller strikes

• Occurs primarily along costal areas

Irrawaddy Dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris)

• <6000 individuals remain

• Occur in estuaries and river systems of SE Asia

• Incidental captures in gill nets

Dolphin Conservation

• >300,000 marine mammals die from bycatch each year (WWF)

• Incentives to raise

public awareness

• Conservation groups

Climate change and extinction risk

Questions?