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Integrating approaches leads to more effective conservation of biodiversity

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Abstract

Recent debates have discussed whether a species-approach or an ecosystem-approach is better for protecting biodiversity. Rather than perpetuate this debate, we argue that critical new scientific and conservation insights arise from combining and integrating approaches along a continuum. We present a suite of case studies and other examples, which highlight the value and synergies derived from an integrated approach for developing management-relevant understanding aimed at protecting biodiversity. Attempts to conserve biodiversity should therefore be multi-faceted in approach and thinking. They also should be long-term as well as driven by well-developed questions focused on closing key knowledge gaps.

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Acknowledgments

We thank C. Shepherd and P. Likens for assistance in preparing this paper. GEL is grateful to the Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs and the Department of Limnology, Uppsala University for intellectual and financial support during the writing of this manuscript. Case study 4 was derived from J. Pastor’s contribution in Lindenmayer and Likens (2010, pp. 64–65).

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Correspondence to Gene E. Likens.

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Likens, G.E., Lindenmayer, D.B. Integrating approaches leads to more effective conservation of biodiversity. Biodivers Conserv 21, 3323–3341 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10531-012-0364-5

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