Reconciling Biodiversity Indicators to Guide Understanding and Action. Issue 6 (26th September 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hill, Samantha L.L.; Harfoot, Mike; Purvis, Andy; Purves, Drew W.; Collen, Ben; Newbold, Tim; Burgess, Neil D.; Mace, Georgina M.
• Is Part Of: Conservation letters. Volume 9:Issue 6(2016:Nov./Dec.)
• Page Start: 405
• Page End: 412
• Publication Date: 2016-09-26
• Subjects: Global biodiversity indicators -- biodiversity metrics -- biodiversity trends -- Madingley model -- PREDICTS model -- Aichi targets; Biodiversity conservation -- Periodicals; Biodiversity -- Monitoring -- Periodicals; 333.9516
• DOI: 10.1111/conl.12291
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1755-263X

Abstract

Abstract: Many metrics can be used to capture trends in biodiversity and, in turn, these metrics inform biodiversity indicators. Sampling biases, genuine differences between metrics, or both, can often cause indicators to appear to be in conflict. This lack of congruence confuses policy makers and the general public, hindering effective responses to the biodiversity crisis. We show how different and seemingly inconsistent metrics of biodiversity can, in fact, emerge from the same scenario of biodiversity change. We develop a simple, evidence‐based narrative of biodiversity change and implement it in a simulation model. The model demonstrates how, for example, species richness can remain stable in a given landscape, whereas other measures (e.g. compositional similarity) can be in sharp decline. We suggest that linking biodiversity metrics in a simple model will support more robust indicator development, enable stronger predictions of biodiversity change, and provide policy‐relevant advice at a range of scales.