Opportunities for Nonnative Ecological Replacements in Ecosystem Restoration

Kevin A. Parker, Mark Seabrook-Davison, and John G. Ewen
Posted on: 4/29/2010 - Updated on: 3/06/2020

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Abstract

Translocations can take a variety of forms, and there is considerable debate as to what defines an acceptable translocation. This is particularly so if a proposal suggests moving a species beyond its natural range, which might be necessary for conservation purposes if habitat within the natural range is extensively modified. An extension of this approach is to use closely related ecological analogs to replace extinct species. This approach is controversial, and opportunities to do so will be rare, particularly for vertebrate species, but the use of ecological analogs is not without precedent, and ultimately will provide for more complete ecological restoration. We discuss the current use of ecological analogs to replace extinct species and conclude with a rare opportunity to replace the extinct New Zealand quail Coturnix novaezelandiae with the extant Australian brown quail Coturnix ypsilophora.

Citation

Parker, K. A., Seabrook-Davison, M., & Ewen, J. G. (2010). Opportunities for nonnative ecological replacements in ecosystem restoration. Restoration Ecology, 18(3), 269-273. Retrieved from CAKE: http://www.cakex.org/virtual-library/1253

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The Society for Ecological Restoration (SER) is a non-profit organization infused with the energy of members around the world who are actively engaged in ecologically-sensitive repair and management of ecosystems through an unusually broad array of experience, knowledge sets and cultural perspectives. They are scientists, planners, administrators, ecological consultants, first peoples, landscape architects, philosophers, teachers, engineers, natural areas managers, writers, growers, community activists, and volunteers, among others.