Flagship Species (flagship + species)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


Flying an amphibian flagship: conservation of the Axolotl Ambystoma mexicanum through nature tourism at Lake Xochimilco, Mexico

INTERNATIONAL ZOO YEARBOOK, Issue 1 2008
I. G. BRIDE
The effectiveness of flagship species as a conservation tool is controversial, and amphibians are not usually regarded as meeting the strategic criteria that flagships demand. Capitalizing on the historical, cultural and economic importance of the Axolotl Ambystoma mexicanum at Lake Xochimilco, Mexico, a conservation programme for this species and its habitat was developed using the Axolotl as a flagship. The threats to the lake are complex and stem from the unsustainable use of its resources. The needs and livelihoods of local stakeholders must therefore be taken into account before attempting to address the threats. The programme therefore focused on developing nature tourism by training local boatmen (remeros) in environmental interpretation. Surveys showed that the boatmen increased their incomes and job satisfaction after training, and that the environmental interpretation programme improved relevant knowledge and awareness of visitors. Although ongoing threats mean that reintroduction of captive-bred Axolotls is not appropriate, zoos with captive populations of Axolotls supported the programme regionally and internationally by providing publicity, funds, staff expertise, training support and themed educational activities. By raising both funds and awareness for the wider conservation of Lake Xochimilco, the Axolotl is probably the first amphibian flagship to be launched successfully. [source]


Birds as tourism flagship species: a case study of tropical islands

ANIMAL CONSERVATION, Issue 6 2009
D. Veríssimo
Abstract Species selected as flagships to promote conservation activities around the world are typically well known and charismatic mega-fauna. Unfortunately this limits the scope for applying the concept as some critical areas for biodiversity conservation, such as tropical islands, lack such species. In this study, we explore the potential to apply the concept of ,tourism flagship species' to tropical island birds of the Seychelles, an archipelago of considerable importance for conservation that is highly dependent on international tourism. In particular we wish to identify which species attributes are most influential with regard to their potential for fundraising among international tourists. Using a choice experiment approach and using state-of-the-art econometric methods, we found that conservation attributes and physical appearance of the bird species are both important in terms of raising funds for conservation. Nevertheless, conservation attributes ranked higher in the respondents preferences. Our results suggest that there is considerable potential for a variety of species to effectively act as flagships in developing nations that are dependent on international tourism and rich in biodiversity but lack charismatic fauna. [source]


The influence of human disturbance on California sea lions during the breeding season

ANIMAL CONSERVATION, Issue 6 2009
K. Holcomb
Abstract California sea lions Zalophus californianus occupy 26 islands in the Gulf of California (GoC), Mexico. Although human presence is prohibited on these islands without a government permit, the law is not enforced and tourism to the islands is increasing. Tourists, along with local fishermen, often come ashore to get close to the animals, which may disrupt behaviors critical for reproduction. In this paper, we report the results of an experimental study on the behavioral effects of human disturbance on California sea lions in the GoC. To document effects, we recorded sea lion behavior immediately before and in 10-min intervals for up to an hour after experimental human disturbance. Our results showed few behavioral responses of sea lions to human disturbance. Adult females and juveniles demonstrated immediate responses, but these were not consistent between years, apparent an hour after disturbance, or evident across other age and sex classes. These results suggest that California sea lions may be resilient to human disturbance and a possible flagship species for ecotourism, but further studies of the physiological and population-level effects of human disturbance are needed. [source]


Combining genetic and ecological data to assess the conservation status of the endangered Ethiopian walia ibex

ANIMAL CONSERVATION, Issue 2 2009
B. Gebremedhin
Abstract Knowledge about the phylogenetic history, genetic variation and ecological requirements of a species is important for its conservation and management. Unfortunately, for many species this information is lacking. Here we use multiple approaches (phylogenetics, population genetics and ecological modelling) to evaluate the evolutionary history and conservation status of Capra walie, an endangered flagship species of wild goat endemic to Ethiopia. The analysis of mitochondrial cytochrome b and Y-chromosome DNA sequences suggests that C. walie forms a monophyletic clade with Capra nubiana, but potentially has been isolated for up to 0.8 million years from this closely related species. Microsatellite DNA analyses show that C. walie has very low genetic variation (mean heterozygosity=0.35) compared with other endangered mammals. This reduced variation likely derives from a prolonged demographic decline and small effective population size. Ecological niche modelling using the bioclimatic features of habitats occupied by C. walie, suggests ecological differences between C. walie and C. nubiana, and identifies the areas most suitable for future reintroductions of C. walie. The genetic and bioclimatic data suggest that C. walie is distinct and requires immediate conservation actions including genetic monitoring and reintroductions to establish independent populations. This study illustrates how combining noninvasive sampling along with genetic and ecological (bioclimatic) approaches can help assess conservation status of poorly known species. [source]


Habitat suitability analysis for lacustrine brown trout (Salmo trutta) in Lake Walchensee, Germany: implications for the conservation of an endangered flagship species

AQUATIC CONSERVATION: MARINE AND FRESHWATER ECOSYSTEMS, Issue 1 2010
Marco Denic
Abstract 1.The lacustrine brown trout (Salmo trutta) is endangered and of high conservation importance. In the only spawning habitat of the population in the Bavarian Lake Walchensee, the River Obernach, a substantial decrease in spawning runs has been reported. In this study, the present ecological state of the spawning stream was analysed with the objective of identifying life-stage specific limitations to successful recruitment attributable to deficiencies in (i) spawning migration, (ii) spawning habitat quality, and (iii) habitat quality for juveniles. 2.Structural stream analysis showed that discharge and several migration barriers , particularly near the river outlet into the lake , prevent successful spawning migrations at normal water levels. Migration barriers are probably the main limiting factor for reproduction of lacustrine brown trout, whereas structural variability of the Obernach meets the habitat requirements of both spawners and juveniles. 3.Spawning site quality was suitable for trout, as indicated by stream substratum texture and high exchange rates between free-flowing water and the interstitial zone in physico-chemical parameters (redox potential, dissolved oxygen, pH, temperature and conductivity). 4.Analyses of fish community structure revealed dominance of lithophilic species, in particular of riverine brown trout (Salmo trutta). Its density and intact demographic population structure suggest that spawning and juvenile habitat quality for salmonids is not limiting. Recapture of stocked lacustrine trout juveniles also indicates habitat suitability for the juvenile stage. 5.In conclusion, the results show that the methodology used in this study is suitable for the identification of life-stage specific habitat deficiencies in lacustrine brown trout and other fish species. Availability of habitat data throughout the species' distribution range is a first crucial step for the development of an effective recovery plan. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


Nectarivory by Endemic Malagasy Fruit Bats During the Dry Season,

BIOTROPICA, Issue 1 2006
Daudet Andriafidison
ABSTRACT Madagascar has a distinctive fruit bat community consisting of Pteropus rufus, Eidolon dupreanum, and Rousettus madagascariensis. In this study, we observed fruit bat visits to flowering baobabs (Adansonia suarezensis and Adansonia grandidieri) and kapok trees (Ceiba pentandra) during the austral winter. Eidolon dupreanum was recorded feeding on the nectar of baobabs and kapok, P. rufus was observed feeding on kapok only and no R. madagascariensis were seen. Three mammals species, two small lemurs (Phaner furcifer and Mirza coquereli) and E. dupreanum, made nondestructive visits to flowering A. grandidieri and are therefore all potential pollinators of this endangered baobab. This is the first evidence to show that A. grandidieri is bat-pollinated and further demonstrates the close link between fruit bats and some of Madagascar's endemic plants. Eidolon dupreanum was the only mammal species recorded visiting A. suarezensis and visits peaked at the reported times of maximum nectar concentration. Pteropus rufus visited kapok mostly before midnight when most nectar was available, but E. dupreanum visited later in the night. These differences in timing of foraging on kapok can be explained either by differing distances from the roost sites of each species or by resource partitioning. We advocate increased levels of protection, education awareness, and applied research on both mammal-pollinated baobab species and fruit bats, and suggest that both baobabs and bats are candidate "flagship species" for the threatened dry forests of Madagascar. RESUME Madagascar a une remarquable communauté de chauves-souris frugivores comprenant Pteropus rufus, Eidolon dupreanum et Rousettus madagascariensis. Dans le cadre de la présente étude, nous avons observé les visites que les chauves-souris effectuent sur les baobabs (Adansonia suarezensis et Adansonia grandidieri) et les kapokiers (Ceiba pentandra) en floraison durant l'hiver austral. Eidolon dupreanum a été observé se nourrissant du nectar des baobabs et des kapokiers, Pteropus rufus a été observé en train de se nourrir des kapokiers uniquement, et aucun Rousettus madagascariensis n'a pu être recensé. Trois espèces de mammifères, deux lémuriens (Phaner furcifer, Mirza coquereli) et Eidolon dupreanum, effectuent des visites non destructives des fleurs d' A. grandidieri et sont, de ce fait, des pollinisateurs potentiels de cette espèce de baobab en danger. Il s'agit de la première preuve qu' A. grandidieri est pollinisé par les chauves-souris. Cette observation démontre aussi le lien étroit qui existe entre les chauves-souris frugivores et quelques-unes des plantes endémiques de Madagascar. Eidolon dupreanum est la seule espèce observée sur Adansonia suarezensis et les visites sont plus fréquentes aux heures de concentration maximale de nectar. Pteropus rufus visite les kapokiers, surtout avant minuit, lorsque les nectars sont encore disponibles. En revanche, la visite effectuée par Eidolon dupreanum a lieu plus tard dans la nuit. Cette différence d'heures de fourrage sur les kapokiers pourrait être justifiée par l'inégalité de la distance des gîtes de chaque espèce ou par le partage des ressources. Aussi recommandons-nous le renforcement des mesures de protection, des activités d'IEC et de la recherche appliquée aux espèces de baobab pollinisées par des mammifères et les chauves-souris frugivores. Nous suggérons l'intégration des baobabs et des chauves-souris dans la liste des espèces " flagship" pour les forêts caducifoliées en danger à Madagascar. [source]


Birds as tourism flagship species: a case study of tropical islands

ANIMAL CONSERVATION, Issue 6 2009
D. Veríssimo
Abstract Species selected as flagships to promote conservation activities around the world are typically well known and charismatic mega-fauna. Unfortunately this limits the scope for applying the concept as some critical areas for biodiversity conservation, such as tropical islands, lack such species. In this study, we explore the potential to apply the concept of ,tourism flagship species' to tropical island birds of the Seychelles, an archipelago of considerable importance for conservation that is highly dependent on international tourism. In particular we wish to identify which species attributes are most influential with regard to their potential for fundraising among international tourists. Using a choice experiment approach and using state-of-the-art econometric methods, we found that conservation attributes and physical appearance of the bird species are both important in terms of raising funds for conservation. Nevertheless, conservation attributes ranked higher in the respondents preferences. Our results suggest that there is considerable potential for a variety of species to effectively act as flagships in developing nations that are dependent on international tourism and rich in biodiversity but lack charismatic fauna. [source]