Extinction Risk and Conservation of the Earth's National Animal Symbols
Extinction Risk and Conservation of the Earth's National Animal Symbols
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DOI：
10.1093/biosci/bix054
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发表时间：
2017-08-01
期刊：
影响因子：
10.1
通讯作者：
Gallagher, Austin J.
中科院分区：
文献类型：
--
作者：
Hammerschlag, Neil;Gallagher, Austin J.
旗舰物种通常被用作保护工具，但要发挥作用，当地公众的支持至关重要。一个国家的国家动物象征通常被选择为具有文化和历史意义。因此，国家动物象征可以作为相关国家的理想旗舰。在这里，我们评估世界国家动物象征面临的灭绝风险和主要威胁，并评估其保护水平。国际自然保护联盟数据分析显示，35% 的标志受到威胁，45% 的标志出现数量下降。两个符号已经消失，四个符号已从其相关国家消失。如果人口趋势持续下去，超过一半的这些符号可能会在未来面临灭绝。国家动物象征面临的主要威胁是剥削、人类与野生动物的冲突和栖息地丧失。这些符号中只有 16% 受到国家保护，而 50% 则受到国际贸易限制。鉴于它们对国家认同的重要性，将国家动物标志作为旗舰物种可能相对容易获得支持。
Flagship species are commonly used as conservation tools, but to be effective, local public support is crucial. A country's national animal symbol is often selected for holding cultural and historical significance. Therefore, national animal symbols may serve as ideal flagships within their associated countries. Here, we evaluate the extinction risk and primary threats facing the world's national animal symbols and assess their levels of protection. Analysis of International Union for Conservation of Nature data revealed that 35% of symbols are threatened and 45% are exhibiting population declines. Two symbols are extinct, and four have been extirpated from their associated country. If population trends persist, over half of these symbols may face future extinction. The primary threats facing national animal symbols are exploitation, human-wildlife conflict and habitat loss. Only 16% of these symbols are nationally protected, whereas 50% receive international trade restrictions. Given their significance to national identity, it may be relatively easy to garner support for national animal symbols as flagship species.