Multi-resource and multi-scale approaches for meeting the challenge of managing multiple species

Abstract

The large number of Neotropical migratory bird (NTMB) species and their diverse habitat requirements create conflicts and difficulties for land managers and conservationists. We provide examples of assessments or conservation efforts that attempt to address the problem of managing for multiple NTMB species. We advocate approaches at a variety of spatial and geographic scales, and believe that successful NTMB conservation will require a broad "top-down" perspective combined with management actions taken from the "bottom up." A top-down approach is needed to establish priorities or objectives at regional and sub-regional scales for species, ecosystems, and ecological processes (e.g., the role of fire in grasslands and woodlands). Multi-species or multi-resource concerns require broad spatial perspectives (regional, continental, global), because many ecological processes and economic concerns are regional, continental, and global in scope. We believe that multi-resource, multi-species conflicts can be reduced if managers at a local level try to contribute to regional priorities.

Citation

Thompson, Frank R., III; Finch, Deborah M.; Probst, John R.; Gaines, Glen D.; Dobkin, David S. 1999. Multi-resource and multi-scale approaches for meeting the challenge of managing multiple species. In: Bonney, Rick; Pashley, David N.; Cooper, Robert J.; Niles, Larry, eds. Strategies for bird conservation: The partners in flight planning process. Ithaca, NY: Cornell University, Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Online: http://www.birds.cornell.edu/pifcapemay/thompson_etal.htm