What are surrogate species and how are they chosen for landscape conservation? What other criteria can be used to select surrogates?

Surrogate species are chosen as representatives of a larger group of species in conservation planning. They are selected to be studied and monitored as their protection can indirectly benefit other species within their habitat. By focusing on surrogate species, conservationists can allocate resources efficiently and implement effective conservation strategies for numerous species simultaneously.

Surrogate species play an important role in landscape conservation by acting as indicators for the health of an ecosystem. When surrogate species are thriving and their population is stable, it is a sign that the ecosystem is also healthy. Protecting surrogate species ensures the stability of the entire ecosystem and helps prioritize areas and habitats for conservation efforts.

Surrogate species should be chosen based on several criteria: a. Ecological significance: Surrogate species should have an essential role in maintaining the structure, composition, and function of their ecosystems. b. Sensitivity to habitat change: Surrogate species should be sensitive to habitat changes and ideally respond to management actions. c. General habitat requirements: Surrogate species should have similar habitat requirements to other species within their ecosystems, making their conservation beneficial for a wider range of species. d. Broad geographic range: Surrogate species should occupy a broad geographic range to ensure their protection results in landscape-scale conservation benefits. e. Ability to be monitored: Surrogate species should be detectable, easy to monitor, and have a known population status to measure their conservation success.

In addition to the standard criteria, surrogates can also be chosen based on the following aspects: a. Taxonomic or genetic uniqueness: Species that represent unique taxonomic or genetic lineages may be chosen as surrogates to protect evolutionary or genetic diversity. b. Cultural or social significance: Species that have cultural or social importance to local communities can be chosen as surrogates to ensure their continued presence for future generations. c. Economic significance: Species that play a critical role in supporting local economies (e.g., fisheries, tourism) can be chosen as surrogates to maintain ecosystem services. d. Ecological interactions: Species that serve as keystone or umbrella species (whose conservation would benefit many co-occurring species) can be chosen as surrogates to support wider biodiversity conservation. By considering these criteria and additional factors, conservationists can select surrogate species that effectively represent diverse communities and ecosystems, facilitating landscape-scale conservation efforts.