Tolerance of focal species to forest management intensity as a guide in the development of conservation targets

Abstract

Although forest managers are trained to optimize timber production, they should be encouraged to integrate biodiversity conservation as an element of sustainable forest management. To do so, coarse-filter approaches should be complemented with an assessment of the response of carefully selected focal species to forest management intensity. Once conservation objectives have been defined, researchers should determine the shape of focal species’ responses to descriptors of management intensity. Sharp transitions (thresholds) in species responses can yield insight for the development of quantitative conservation targets, with the understanding that critical resources (e.g., specific stand structures; amount of habitat in the landscape) should be maintained well above the threshold values observed. Conservation targets should be determined by land managers and policy-makers on the basis of objective, empirical evidence obtained by researchers to ensure that scientific investigation is conducted in the absence of external pressure.