Aligning endangered species management with ecosystem restoration

Management of endangered species has received criticism in the past as taking a single-species approach to conservation, which can divert resources from or run counter to more broad-based public land management objectives... [ view full abstract ]

Management of endangered species has received criticism in the past as taking a single-species approach to conservation, which can divert resources from or run counter to more broad-based public land management objectives under some conditions. Here we investigate a case of endangered species conservation for a species, the red-cockaded woodpecker (Leuconotopicus borealis), that was listed soon after the passing of the Endangered Species Act in 1973. Through semi-structured interviews with natural resource professionals in the Southeast Coastal Plain region (n=32), we examine manager perspectives on conserving the red-cockaded woodpecker, how their efforts align or conflict with other objectives, and what lessons might be taken from this case and applied to others. We found that in general, managers viewed red-cockaded woodpecker habitat management (e.g., thinning and burning pine stands) as compatible with their other resource management objectives, particularly longleaf pine ecosystem restoration. However, in some contexts, managers found that specific guidelines dictating the amount of habitat to be set aside for foraging per RCW group was a barrier to accelerating their restoration actions. Habitat management efforts were thought to likely continue into the future regardless of the species’ conservation status. Managers also believed that more intensive strategies with a single species focus, such as using artificial inserts and translocation of individuals, would likely decrease over time. Overall, these perspectives suggest that one factor likely to contribute to the sustained recovery of an endangered species is the alignment of species recovery guidelines and objectives with broader ecosystem management or restoration objectives.