Taxonomic bias and international biodiversity conservation research

While greater research on threatened species alone cannot ensure their protection, understanding taxonomic bias may be helpful to address knowledge gaps in order to identify research directions and inform policy. Using data for over 10 000 animal species listed on the International Union for Conserv...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Michael R. Donaldson, Nicholas J. Burnett, Douglas C. Braun, Cory D. Suski, Scott G. Hinch, Steven J. Cooke, Jeremy T. Kerr
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Canadian Science Publishing 2016-07-01
Series:FACETS
Subjects:
Online Access:http://www.facetsjournal.com/doi/10.1139/facets-2016-0011
Description
Summary:While greater research on threatened species alone cannot ensure their protection, understanding taxonomic bias may be helpful to address knowledge gaps in order to identify research directions and inform policy. Using data for over 10 000 animal species listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List, we investigated taxonomic and geographic biodiversity conservation research trends worldwide. We found extreme bias in conservation research effort on threatened vertebrates compared with lesser-studied invertebrates in both terrestrial and aquatic habitats at a global scale. Based on an analysis of common threats affecting vertebrates and invertebrates, we suggest a path forward for narrowing the research gap between threatened vertebrates and invertebrates.
ISSN:2371-1671
2371-1671