A Conceptual Model for Describing Decision-Making Situations in Integrated Natural Resource Planning and Modeling Projects1

A conceptual model is developed herein for the purpose of stimulating discussions within groups planning and carrying out integrated natural resource projects. We first describe four basic components of integrated planning and modeling efforts: people, databases, technology, and organizational commitment. Second, we provide one view of the relationship between the size of the project's decision-making body and the timing of decisions during a project's life cycle. Finally, these two discussions are combined into a conceptual model describing the dynamic nature of decision-making within integrated projects. The abstractions and generalizations described here are not unique to private industry or governmental organizations and should provide the basis for a discussion of decision-making issues among interdisciplinary professionals embarking on large-scale or complex modeling efforts.     

Taxonomic Considerations in Listing Subspecies Under the U.S. Endangered Species Act

Abstract:  The U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA) allows listing of subspecies and other groupings below the rank of species. This provides the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service with a means to target the most critical unit in need of conservation. Although roughly one-quarter of listed taxa are subspecies, these management agencies are hindered by uncertainties about taxonomic standards during listing or delisting activities. In a review of taxonomic publications and societies, we found few subspecies lists and none that stated standardized criteria for determining subspecific taxa. Lack of criteria is attributed to a centuries-old debate over species and subspecies concepts. Nevertheless, the critical need to resolve this debate for ESA listings led us to propose that minimal biological criteria to define disjunct subspecies (legally or taxonomically) should include the discreteness and significance criteria of distinct population segments (as defined under the ESA). Our subspecies criteria are in stark contrast to that proposed by supporters of the phylogenetic species concept and provide a clear distinction between species and subspecies. Efforts to eliminate or reduce ambiguity associated with subspecies-level classifications will assist with ESA listing decisions. Thus, we urge professional taxonomic societies to publish and periodically update peer-reviewed species and subspecies lists. This effort must be paralleled throughout the world for efficient taxonomic conservation to take place.