Effective Conservation Programs Research Articles

Mating patterns of the gum arabic tree (Acacia senegal synonym Senegalia senegal) in two different habitats

Understanding the variation of mating patterns in disturbed habitats provide insight into the evolutionary potential of plant species and how they persist over time. However, this phenomenon is poorly understood in tropical dryland tree species. In the present study, we investigated how Acacia senegal reproduces in two different environmental contexts in Kenya. Open-pollinated progeny arrays of 10 maternal trees from each environmental context were genotyped using 12 nuclear microsatellite markers. Overall, A. senegal displayed a predominantly allogamous mating pattern. However, higher multilocus outcrossing rate (tm) was found in Lake Bogoria (tm = 1.00) than in Kampi ya Moto population (tm = 0.949). Higher biparental inbreeding (t m − t s = 0.116) and correlation of outcrossed paternity (rp = 0.329) was found in Kampi ya Moto than in Lake Bogoria population (t m − t s = 0.074, rp = 0.055), showing the occurrence of mating among relatives. Coefficient of coancestry (Θ = 0.208) showed that full-sibs constitute about 21% of the offspring in Kampi ya Moto population compared to about 14% (Θ = 0.136) in Lake Bogoria population. The results demonstrate that low adult tree density of A. senegal may be promoting seed production through consanguineous mating and suggest that man-made disturbance can affect mating patterns of the species. Despite these mating differences, trees from both populations can contribute as seed source for conservational plans, and to support effective genetic conservation and artificial regeneration programs of A. senegal. We suggest collection of seeds from at least 42 and 63 trees in Lake Bogoria and Kampi ya Moto populations, respectively, to retain a progeny array with a total effective population size of 150.

A novel method of caenophidian snake sex identification using molecular markers based on two gametologous genes.

Sex identification provides important information for ecological and evolutionary studies, as well as benefiting snake conservation management. Traditional methods such as cloacal probing or cloacal popping are counterproductive for sex identification concerning very small species, resulting in difficulties in the management of their breeding programs. In this study, the nucleotide sequences of gametologous genes (CTNNB1 and WAC genes) were used for the development of molecular sexing markers in caenophidian snakes. Two candidate markers were developed with the two primer sets, and successfully amplified by a single band on the agarose gel in male (ZZ) and two bands, differing in fragment sizes, in female (ZW) of 16 caenophidian snakes for CTNNB1 and 12 caenophidian snakes for WAC. Another candidate marker was developed with the primer set to amplify the specific sequence for CTNNB1W homolog, and the PCR products were successfully obtained in a female‐specific 250‐bp DNA bands. The three candidate PCR sexing markers provide a simple sex identification method based on the amplification of gametologous genes, and they can be used to facilitate effective caenophidian snake conservation and management programs.

A pilot study to survey the carnivore community in the hyper-arid environment of South Sinai mountains

Carnivores are one of the taxa most affected by habitat fragmentation and human persecution; as a result, most carnivore species are declining; for this reason monitoring changes in carnivore population is paramount to plan effective conservation programs. Despite being one of the most threatened habitat, arid environment are often neglected and the carnivore species living in this environment are generally poorly studied.We conducted a pilot study to survey the carnivore guild in the St Katherine Protectorate, the largest Egyptian national park and a hotspot for biodiversity and conservation in an arid environments. Three species were detected using both camera trapping and morphological identification of scats: Red fox, Striped hyena and Arabian wolf, while through genetic analysis we were able to confirm the presence of Blandford fox as well. Arabian wolf appeared to be the most elusive and rarer species and should be a conservation priority.We also provide guidelines for a monitoring program: we estimated that a survey period of 8–10 weeks would be enough to detect foxes and hyenas with a 95% probability, but it would take at least 26 weeks to detect the presence of wolves. This is the first comprehensive carnivore survey in South Sinai and provides an important baseline for future studies in this unique hyper-arid environment at the conjunction between the African and Eurasian continents.

Payments for Pioneers? Revisiting the Role of External Rewards for Sustainable Innovation under Heterogeneous Motivations

Acknowledging the diversity of preferences, goals and motivations of individuals is key to promote the effectiveness of incentive-based conservation interventions. This paper analyses the heterogeneity of motivations to adopt silvopastoral practices, a social-ecological innovation for soil conservation and carbon emission reduction. We use Q methodology to identify smallholders' views with regard to these practices in a community in the forest frontier in Chiapas (Mexico). The analysis uncovers three main perspectives: self-sufficient pioneers, environmentally-conscious followers and payment-dependent conservatives. We discuss these perspectives around three topics: smallholders' predisposition to adopt silvopastoral practices, their views about needing external payments to sustain their livelihood and the diffusion of innovative sustainable practices. We relate these perspectives with livelihood characteristics and with observed adoption levels under a pilot programme to promote silvopasture. Our findings suggest that incentives other than payments may be more appropriate for those more likely to adopt, and that payments could encourage rent-seeking strategies and not necessarily promote permanent behavioural change. We suggest ways for designing more effective and adaptive environmental conservation programmes to foster adoption and continuation of social-ecological innovations.

Checklist of the marine and estuarine fishes of Chiapas, Mexico

A systematic checklist is presented for the marine estuarine fishes of Chiapas, Mexico, including notes on their zoogeography and conservation status. The checklist includes 379 species, two classes, 30 orders, 91 families, and 207 genera. Actinopterygii is the most diverse class (323 species, 181 genera, 72 families, and 23 orders), while Chondrichthyes (56 species, 26 genera, 19 families, and seven orders) is the least diverse class. Perciformes is the richest order (175 species, 98 genera, and 32 families), including seven families representing 32.2% of the total fish diversity reported here: Sciaenidae (25 species), Carangidae (21), Gobiidae (20), Haemulidae (14), Epinephelidae (11), Dactyloscopidae (10), and Gerreidae (10). Based on a taxonomical review of specimens in fish collections and literature-verified records, the list is composed of marine-stenohaline (46.7%), marine-euryhaline (48.8%), primary freshwater (1%), secondary freshwater (2.6%), and diadromous (0.2%) species. The ichthyofauna showed greater zoogeographic affinity to the Mexican (81.5%) and Panamic (80.5%) provinces, while 48 species are circumtropical, four amphipacific, five amphiamerican, and one exotic (Oreochromis niloticus). Based on the IUCN Red List, 259 species are of “Least Concern”, 18 are “Near Threatened”, 11 are “Vulnerable”, two are “Critically Endangered” (Pristis pectinata and P. pristis), and one is “Endangered” (Rhincodon typus); 23.2% are “Not Evaluated” or “Data Deficient”. Three species are under “Special Protection” and another three are “Threatened” under Mexican law NOM-059-SEMARNAT-2010. Nearly 75% of the teleostean and 25% of the cartilaginous fishes are of commercial value. Taxonomic identifications should be updated and the geographic distributions of Chiapas’ coastal fish species should be documented in order to design and implement effective management and conservation programs.

The American Oystercatcher (Haematopus palliatus) Working Group: 15 Years of Collaborative Focal Species Research and Management

Abstract. The American Oystercatcher (Haematopus palliatus) Working Group formed spontaneously in 2001 as coastal waterbird biologists recognized the potential for American Oystercatchers to serve as focal species for collaborative research and management. Accomplishments over the past 15 years include the establishment of rangewide surveys, color-banding protocols, mark-resight studies, a revision of the Birds of North America species account, and new mechanisms for sharing ideas and data. Collaborations among State, Federal, and private sector scientists, natural resource managers, and dedicated volunteers have provided insights into the biology and conservation of American Oystercatchers in the United States and abroad that would not have been possible without the relationships formed through the Working Group. These accomplishments illustrate how broad collaborative approaches and the engagement of the public are key elements of effective shorebird conservation programs.

A qualitative study of factors affecting the compliance of hearing protective device usage among factory workers in Kuantan

Introduction: Occupational noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is an acquired cumulative and irreversible hearing impairment which is totally preventable. Literature review concluded that noise hazard control via administrative and engineering methods are difficult to implement for many reasons. Thus, hearing protection device (HPD) is the best compromise to protect workers from the excessive noise. The purpose of this study is to qualitatively explore the factors affecting the HPD compliance among factory workers in Kuantan. Methods: A purposive sampling of twenty four male workers exposed to occupational noise of 85 dB and more for 8 hour-period was recruited from 15th July to 31st August 2013 to participate in four focus group discussions. The open-ended guided questions were used during the discussions to explore the workers’ perspective, knowledge, attitude and behaviour regarding the use of HPD. The data were analyzed using the conventional content analysis and the key themes were elicited in relation to the study, either toward the positive hearing protective behaviours or the factors that act as the barriers against it. Results: From the findings, five themes have emerged with their respective subthemes including perception of noise in the workplace, use of HPD, barriers against the use of HPD, workplace influence and value of hearing. Our studies found that the three main reasons for workers not to wear HPD are discomfort, cumbersome and impediment of speech / other wanted sounds. Conclusions: Effective hearing conservation programme, particularly on the use of HPD should therefore address these factors to ensure good compliance among the workers.

Emerging Evidence on the Effectiveness of Tropical Forest Conservation.

The PLOS ONE Collection “Measuring forest conservation effectiveness” brings together a series of studies that evaluate the effectiveness of tropical forest conservation policies and programs with the goal of measuring conservation success and associated co-benefits. This overview piece describes the geographic and methodological scope of these studies, as well as the policy instruments covered in the Collection as of June 2016. Focusing on forest cover change, we systematically compare the conservation effects estimated by the studies and discuss them in the light of previous findings in the literature. Nine studies estimated that annual conservation impacts on forest cover were below one percent, with two exceptions in Mexico and Indonesia. Differences in effect sizes are not only driven by the choice of conservation measures. One key lesson from the studies is the need to move beyond the current scientific focus of estimating average effects of undifferentiated conservation programs. The specific elements of the program design and the implementation context are equally important factors for understanding the effectiveness of conservation programs. Particularly critical will be a better understanding of the causal mechanisms through which conservation programs have impacts. To achieve this understanding we need advances in both theory and methods.

Performance in noise: Impact of reduced speech intelligibility on Sailor performance in a Navy command and control environment

Noise, hearing loss, and electronic signal distortion, which are common problems in military environments, can impair speech intelligibility and thereby jeopardize mission success. The current study investigated the impact that impaired communication has on operational performance in a command and control environment by parametrically degrading speech intelligibility in a simulated shipborne Combat Information Center. Experienced U.S. Navy personnel served as the study participants and were required to monitor information from multiple sources and respond appropriately to communications initiated by investigators playing the roles of other personnel involved in a realistic Naval scenario. In each block of the scenario, an adaptive intelligibility modification system employing automatic gain control was used to adjust the signal-to-noise ratio to achieve one of four speech intelligibility levels on a Modified Rhyme Test: No Loss, 80%, 60%, or 40%. Objective and subjective measures of operational performance suggested that performance systematically degraded with decreasing speech intelligibility, with the largest drop occurring between 80% and 60%. These results confirm the importance of noise reduction, good communication design, and effective hearing conservation programs to maximize the operational effectiveness of military personnel.

Using insights about key factors impacting ‘quality of life’ to inform effective on-farm conservation programs: a case study in Northern Australia

ABSTRACTConservation of biodiversity is an ongoing challenge. Governments face many constraints when pursuing conservation, one of the most pervasive being limited budgets for buying land for conservation. To achieve conservation goals, an alternative to acquisition is on-farm conservation. Research suggests that the success of on-farm conservation programs depends primarily on land managers’ behaviour. In the past, one of the tools used for on-farm conservation has been financial incentives but these may be ineffective if they do not align with the intrinsic motivations of land managers. Our paper seeks to learn more about the intrinsic motivations of land managers by learning more about what contributes to their overall quality of life (life satisfaction). We hypothesize that by understanding the drivers of land manager’s subjective assessments of their own life satisfaction we will be able to shed light on the types of incentives that could help promote on-farm conservation. Our analysis highlights that good relationships are the most important contributor to land managers’ life satisfaction. We conclude that programs which help maintain good social networks whilst encouraging on-farm conservation are likely to align with intrinsic motivations of land managers and might therefore be more successful in making genuine additional contributions to biodiversity than programs providing only financial incentives.

Phylogenetic relationships and genetic diversity of badgers from the Korean Peninsula: Implications for the taxonomic status of the Korean badger

Accurate taxonomic classification of wildlife species is crucial for guiding biological research and for developing effective management and conservation programs. The taxonomic status of Eurasian badgers from South Korea remains poorly resolved. Here we assessed the phylogenetic relationships and genetic variation of Eurasia badgers using partial mitochondrial fragments to elucidate the evolutionary history and taxonomic status of badgers from the Korean Peninsula. Forty-eight unique haplotypes from 125 individuals were observed. Phylogenetic reconstructions and reduced median networks indicate that Eurasian badgers consisted of four geographic clades (Japan, Eastern Eurasia, Western Eurasia, and Caucasus) with a relatively weak split observed within Eastern Eurasia. Estimated divergence time between the Japanese and Eastern Eurasian clades, including the Korean population, was 467,100 years (69,200–1,085,500 years). The results of this study support the hypothesis that the Japanese badger migrated from the Eurasian continent over the Korea-Japan land bridge and that the Korean Peninsula was an important refugia during the Pleistocene. Our study confirmed that the South Korean badger, Meles meles, belongs to the Eastern Eurasian clade. Based on these results and those of previous studies, we recommend that the scientific name of the Korean badger be changed from M. meles to Meles leucurus (Asian badger).

Assessing the long-term hydrological services provided by wetlands under changing climate conditions: A case study approach of a Canadian watershed

The water content of wetlands represents a key driver of their hydrological services and it is highly dependent on short- and long-term weather conditions, which will change, to some extent, under evolving climate conditions. The impact on stream flows of this critical dynamic component of wetlands remains poorly studied. While hydrodynamic modelling provide a framework to describe the functioning of individual wetland, hydrological modelling offers the opportunity to assess their services at the watershed scale with respect to their type (i.e., isolated or riparian). This study uses a novel approach combining hydrological modelling and limited field monitoring, to explore the effectiveness of wetlands under changing climate conditions. To achieve this, two isolated wetlands and two riparian wetlands, located in the Becancour River watershed within the St Lawrence Lowlands (Quebec, Canada), were monitored using piezometers and stable water isotopes (δD – δ18O) between October 2013 and October 2014. For the watershed hydrology component of this study, reference (1986–2015) and future meteorological data (2041–2070) were used as inputs to the PHYSITEL/HYDROTEL modelling platform. Results obtained from in-situ data illustrate singular hydrological dynamics for each typology of wetlands (i.e., isolated and riparian) and support the hydrological modelling approach used in this study. Meanwhile, simulation results indicate that climate change could affect differently the hydrological dynamics of wetlands and associated services (e.g., storage and slow release of water), including their seasonal contribution (i.e., flood mitigation and low flow support) according to each wetland typology. The methodological framework proposed in this paper meets the requirements of a functional tool capable of anticipating hydrological changes in wetlands at both the land management scale and the watershed management scale. Accordingly, this framework represents a starting point towards the design of effective wetland conservation and/or restoration programs.

Resource partitioning between ungulate populations in arid environments.

Herbivores are major drivers of ecosystem structure, diversity, and function. Resilient ecosystems therefore require viable herbivore populations in a sustainable balance with environmental resource availability. This balance is becoming harder to achieve, with increasingly threatened species reliant on small protected areas in increasingly harsh and unpredictable environments. Arid environments in North Africa exemplify this situation, featuring a biologically distinct species assemblage exposed to extreme and volatile conditions, including habitat loss and climate change‐associated threats. Here, we implement an integrated likelihood approach to relate scimitar‐horned oryx (Oryx dammah) and dorcas gazelle (Gazella dorcas) density, via dung distance sampling, to habitat, predator, and geographic correlates in Dghoumes National Park, Tunisia. We show how two threatened sympatric ungulates partition resources on the habitat axis, exhibiting nonuniform responses to the same vegetation gradient. Scimitar‐horned oryx were positively associated with plant species richness, selecting for vegetated ephemeral watercourses (wadis) dominated by herbaceous cover. Conversely, dorcas gazelle were negatively associated with vegetation density (herbaceous height, litter cover, and herbaceous cover), selecting instead for rocky plains with sparse vegetation. We suggest that adequate plant species richness should be a prerequisite for areas proposed for future ungulate reintroductions in arid and semi‐arid environments. This evidence will inform adaptive management of reintroduced ungulates in protected environments, helping managers and planners design sustainable ecosystems and effective conservation programs.

What are you eating? A stable isotope insight into the trophic ecology of short-beaked common dolphins in the Southwestern Atlantic Ocean

As the feeding habits of marine mammals are particularly difficult to observe, stable isotope analysis has become an essential tool to investigate several aspects of dolphin's trophic ecology. Short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) occur off Argentina coastline from 36°S to 42°S, but nothing is known about latitudinal changes in diet. A stable isotope analysis has been performed on three short-beaked common dolphins groups: Buenos Aires group (n=20), Golfo San Matías inshore group (n=24), and Golfo San Matías offshore group (n=16). Highly significant differences in average δ15Nskin values were found among the three groups of dolphins considered. Differences were also statistically significant for the average δ13Cskin and Suess corrected δ13Cskin values. Furthermore, no significant differences were found in the δ13Cskin values of the dolphins from the inshore group sampled during summer and winter seasons at Golfo San Matías, although the δ15Nskin values changes seasonally, suggesting that probably dolphins forage at a higher trophic level in summer. The SIAR model indicated that juvenile Argentine hake (Merluccius hubbsi) had the highest mean feasible contribution to the diet of short-beaked common dolphins inhabiting the continental shelf off Buenos Aires and northern Patagonia, whereas the Argentine anchovy (Engraulis anchoita) did it for short-beaked common dolphins inhabiting the Golfo San Matías The results obtained in this study increase the knowledge of trophic ecology for high trophic level predators such as short-beaked common dolphins along the Argentina coast in support of effective conservation and management programs.

Status and conservation of the Endangered snow leopard Panthera uncia in Qomolangma National Nature Reserve, Tibet

AbstractLittle is known about the status of the snow leopard Panthera uncia in Qomolangma National Nature Reserve, located on the northern aspect of Mount Everest in Tibet. To address this, during May–September 2014 we conducted line transects, camera trapping, household interviews, and socioeconomic statistics analysis. We surveyed 14 transects and located 287 putative snow leopard signs, with a mean density of 1.9 sign sites km–1, 3.8 signs km–1, and 1.4 scrapes km–1. We set 41 camera traps and recorded a minimum of seven individual snow leopards. Our results were comparable to snow leopard abundance estimates for neighbouring protected areas in Nepal. Semi-structured interviews with 46 (59%) households found that local people were generally supportive of snow leopard conservation, for a variety of economic, legislative, and religious reasons. The socio-economic situation in the Reserve underwent dramatic changes between 2000 and 2014. The human population increased by 28.9%, the livestock population decreased by 9.9%, the number of tourists in 2014 was 6.8 times greater than in 2005, and the local gross domestic product underwent an annual increase of 15%. We discuss the current threats to snow leopards, and recommend that more rigorous, comprehensive, and interdisciplinary research be undertaken to provide an evidential basis for the formulation of effective conservation policies and programmes.

Pedigree Analysis of Mangalica Pig Breeds

Abstract An effective gene conservation programme requires the knowledge of genetic variability of the population. The genetic structure of Mangalica pig breeds (Blonde, Red and Swallow-bellied) was studied from pedigree records. Herdbook data available up to 2011 of registered Mangalica pig breeds (Blonde, Red and Swallow-bellied) were analysed. The number of complete generations was 6 for Blonde and 5 for Red and Swallow-bellied Mangalica whereas the average complete generation equivalent was between 3.51 and 6.01. The average level of inbreeding of the reference population was low (4.07–5.87%). The investigated breeds could be considered as small populations based on the probability of gene origin. The most important ancestor contributed between 9 and 16% of the gene pool of the reference populations. The longest generation interval was found for the sire-to-son pathways whereas the shortest for dam-to-daughter pathways for each breed.

Nest survival patterns in Eurasian Bittern: effect of nest age, time and habitat variables.

Determining the key factors affecting the reproductive success of nesting birds is crucial in order to better understand the population dynamics of endangered species and to introduce effective conservation programmes for them. Inhabiting a variety of wetland habitats, aquatic birds actively select safe nesting sites so as to protect their nests against predators. The main aim of the present work was to assess the effect of temporal and habitat variables on the daily nest survival rate of Eurasian Bitterns colonizing semi–natural fishpond habitat in eastern Poland. MARK software was used for the modelling. Eurasian Bittern nests were most vulnerable to depredation at the beginning of the breeding season. This was probably because the reedbed vegetation at this time was not yet dense enough to effectively conceal the nests. There was a positive relationship between nest age and the daily survival rate. Two of the habitat variables analysed were of the greatest significance: water depth and vegetation density. In the Eurasian Bittern population studied here, nests built over deep water and in dense vegetation had the best chances of survival. The results of this work may be useful in the preparation of plans for the conservation and management of populations of this rare and endangered species. Conservation and restoration efforts that attempt to maintain high water levels will be especially beneficial to this avian species that is dependent on wetland ecosystems for breeding.

Temporal Variation in Native Bee Diversity in the Tropical Sub-Deciduous Forest of the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico

Native bee community diversity is known to vary temporally in the Neotropics, but little research has been done to quantify the extent of this variation. We studied monthly variation in native bee diversity in tropical semi-deciduous forest on the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico, over a twelve-month period in 2007. Hurricane Dean traversed the study area in August of that year, causing some changes in the environment and in the native bee community. A total of 2,335 individual bee specimens were collected, belonging to 102 species from four families. The family Apidae had the highest number of species (46%) and individuals (71%). Species richness, abundance, and diversity varied throughout the study period. Species proportions of lifestyles and nesting behaviors varied from month to month, and absolute numbers changed. Low to moderate similarity values indicated high monthly species turnover, with almost half of species present for only one to two months. Species richness declined after the hurricane, with a loss of 40% of the species present beforehand, but nine new species appeared in September. The hurricane also reduced the number of solitary, parasocial, and social species, mostly those nesting in preexisting cavities and wood. Species composition in August had similarity values nearer to those of months in the dry season than to those in the rainy season. Two months after the hurricane, the native bee community had returned to previous species diversity levels, probably due to the rapid recovery of the vegetation on which the bee community depends. Effective biodiversity conservation programs will need more data on changes in vegetation community structure and how such changes influence Neotropical native bee communities after natural disturbances.

Factors Influencing Stream Fish Species Composition and Functional Properties at Multiple Spatial Scales in the Sand Hills of the Southeastern United States

AbstractAn understanding of how fish communities differ among river basin, watershed, and stream reach spatial scales and the factors that influence these differences can help in the design of effective conservation programs and the development of reference models that appropriately represent biota under relatively undisturbed conditions. We assessed the heterogeneity among fish assemblages in first‐ to fourth‐order stream sites from four river basins (Savannah, Chattahoochee, Cape Fear, and Pee Dee rivers) within the Sand Hills ecoregion of the southeastern USA and compared it with the heterogeneity associated with watershed and stream reach spatial scales. Fifty‐five species of fish representing 15 families were collected by electrofishing, with the most speciose families being Cyprinidae, Centrarchidae, Percidae, Ictaluridae, and Catostomidae. Constrained ordination identified clearly demarcated species assemblages among river basins as well as subbasin environmental variables that affected fish species composition; the amounts of variance attributable to basin, watershed, and stream reach spatial scales were roughly equivalent. Prominent differences occurred between Gulf of Mexico coast and Atlantic coast river basins, but differences among Atlantic coast basins were also apparent. Key variables at the watershed scale included watershed size, relief, extent of anthropogenic disturbance, and forest cover; key variables at the stream reach scale included instream habitat quality, proximity to a larger stream, and stream width. Fish assemblage collective and functional properties were more strongly influenced by variables acting at watershed and stream reach spatial scales than by differences among basins. Species richness peaked at intermediate levels of habitat quality as a likely result of biotic homogenization, indicating that the least disturbed sites within the region do not necessarily possess the highest species richness. Failure to consider this may lead to the overrating of moderately disturbed sites and the underrating of minimally disturbed sites, thus contributing to false conclusions about fish assemblage integrity.Received September 15, 2015; accepted December 15, 2015 Published online April 19, 2016

Conservation action implementation, funding, and population trends of birds listed on the Endangered Species Act

Current rates of species endangerment and extinction are unprecedented in modern times. Conservation efforts aim to slow down, stop, and reverse threats to species and thus the current loss of biodiversity. However, the extinction risk to species continues to rise. Thus far, research has examined the efficiency and the effectiveness of conservation actions individually, yet, the full suite of implemented conservation actions should be considered. We assessed all implemented conservation actions for avian species listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) in the United States. Using data available through the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) we assessed the relationships between conservation actions implemented, population trends, and financial expenditures for all listed species each year between 1996 and 2013. We found positive associations between the amount of funding allocated for a species and their population trend. Implementation of the conservation actions habitat protection and educational awareness were positively associated with annual funding for a species. Our results highlight the disparity in conservation action implementation and resource allocation between ESA listed species on the mainland and on islands in the USA. Together these results and the cause and effect relationships they suggest could provide a pathway toward more effective conservation programs.