The prevailing paradigm as a hindrance to conservation

Abstract We review the history of population and ecological knowledge of the golden‐cheeked warbler (Setophaga chrysoparia). We highlight how incomplete information on distribution and abundance has led to substantial misunderstanding on species status and associated conservation goals. We discuss h...

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Main Authors: Michael L. Morrison, Bret A. Collier, Heather A. Mathewson, Julie E. Groce, R. Neal Wilkins
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wiley 2012-09-01
Series:Wildlife Society Bulletin
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1002/wsb.170
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author Michael L. Morrison
Bret A. Collier
Heather A. Mathewson
Julie E. Groce
R. Neal Wilkins
author_facet Michael L. Morrison
Bret A. Collier
Heather A. Mathewson
Julie E. Groce
R. Neal Wilkins
author_sort Michael L. Morrison
collection DOAJ
description Abstract We review the history of population and ecological knowledge of the golden‐cheeked warbler (Setophaga chrysoparia). We highlight how incomplete information on distribution and abundance has led to substantial misunderstanding on species status and associated conservation goals. We discuss how once a paradigm is established, subsequent studies unconsciously fortify accepted understanding regardless of the paradigm's accuracy. For the golden‐cheeked warbler, understanding of the species at the time of listing in 1990 was based on either incorrect or untested assumptions of species distribution within available habitats. Adhering to untested assumptions led to development of priorities for research and management that were well‐intentioned but largely misguided. Ample information on the distribution of the warbler's habitats existed, however, which should have encouraged questions into the basis of population conditions when developing management prescriptions. Current knowledge clearly indicates that a new paradigm for the warbler is needed, that being one of a widely distributed species that is preadapted to occur within a variety of environmental conditions. © 2012 The Wildlife Society.
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spelling doaj-art-125179ef376b447d8d65daab5de1a2a72025-08-20T01:56:32ZengWileyWildlife Society Bulletin2328-55402012-09-0136340841410.1002/wsb.170The prevailing paradigm as a hindrance to conservationMichael L. Morrison0Bret A. Collier1Heather A. Mathewson2Julie E. Groce3R. Neal Wilkins4Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843‐2258, USAInstitute of Renewable Natural Resources, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843‐2260, USAInstitute of Renewable Natural Resources, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843‐2260, USAInstitute of Renewable Natural Resources, Texas A&M University, San Antonio, TX 78215, USAInstitute of Renewable Natural Resources, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843‐2260, USAAbstract We review the history of population and ecological knowledge of the golden‐cheeked warbler (Setophaga chrysoparia). We highlight how incomplete information on distribution and abundance has led to substantial misunderstanding on species status and associated conservation goals. We discuss how once a paradigm is established, subsequent studies unconsciously fortify accepted understanding regardless of the paradigm's accuracy. For the golden‐cheeked warbler, understanding of the species at the time of listing in 1990 was based on either incorrect or untested assumptions of species distribution within available habitats. Adhering to untested assumptions led to development of priorities for research and management that were well‐intentioned but largely misguided. Ample information on the distribution of the warbler's habitats existed, however, which should have encouraged questions into the basis of population conditions when developing management prescriptions. Current knowledge clearly indicates that a new paradigm for the warbler is needed, that being one of a widely distributed species that is preadapted to occur within a variety of environmental conditions. © 2012 The Wildlife Society.https://doi.org/10.1002/wsb.170distributiongolden‐cheeked warblerhabitat occupancymetapopulationscientific paradigmSetophaga chrysoparia
spellingShingle Michael L. Morrison
Bret A. Collier
Heather A. Mathewson
Julie E. Groce
R. Neal Wilkins
The prevailing paradigm as a hindrance to conservation
Wildlife Society Bulletin
distribution
golden‐cheeked warbler
habitat occupancy
metapopulation
scientific paradigm
Setophaga chrysoparia
title The prevailing paradigm as a hindrance to conservation
title_full The prevailing paradigm as a hindrance to conservation
title_fullStr The prevailing paradigm as a hindrance to conservation
title_full_unstemmed The prevailing paradigm as a hindrance to conservation
title_short The prevailing paradigm as a hindrance to conservation
title_sort prevailing paradigm as a hindrance to conservation
topic distribution
golden‐cheeked warbler
habitat occupancy
metapopulation
scientific paradigm
Setophaga chrysoparia
url https://doi.org/10.1002/wsb.170
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