Threats Analysis Processes

Name: Threats Analysis Processes

Reference: IUCN/SSC (2008). Strategic Planning for Species Conservation: A Handbook. Version 1.0. Gland, Switzerland: IUCN Species Survival Commission.

Conservation Measures Partnership (2007) Open Standards for the Practice of Conservation. Version 2.0. www.conservationmeasures.org.

IUCN-CMP Threats Classification Scheme (2007/2014) http://www.iucnredlist.org/technical-documents/classification-schemes/threats-classification-scheme; https://www.conservationgateway.org/ExternalLinks/Pages/iucn-cmp-unified-classifi.aspx

Conservation planning step(s) when this would be used:
This is used during the threats analysis component of the Review Status step.

Description of tool use: A process for brainstorming all of the direct threats to a species, habitat, or ecological system (e.g. habitat loss). Once these direct threats are identified, planners work to identify what the drivers or underlying causes of those threats may be.  

Experience and expertise required to use the tool: These tools are easily grasped and do not require a high level of specialist expertise, though some prior experience is an advantage.  Most helpful is to have an experienced facilitator to help stakeholders understand the conservation context of the threats analysis and to distinguish the differences between direct threats and their underlying drivers.  

Data requirements: These tools are suitable for situations that are relatively data poor, though a thorough knowledge of the site and species context and their conservation threats is most appropriate.

Cost: FREE, though if used in combination with a software package such as Miradi some costs will accrue.

Strengths and weaknesses, when to use and interpret with caution: Key strengths of this type of analysis include the opportunity for groups of stakeholders to identify the direct threats to species or conservation targets of interest, and allow discussion for why these have been identified.

Weaknesses are generally user based in that understanding the difference between direct threats and underlying drivers will be key for the accuracy of the assessment.  Related, the relationship between direct threats and other stressors (e.g. low reproductive rates) can be unclear.  

Case study: Hundreds of case studies that use the threats analysis process can be found at https://www.miradishare.org/ and at http://www.rare.org/places/#.VG-Xx8n4Ksw (multiple languages/organizations available).

Example: Akumal Talum, Mexico; https://www.miradishare.org/reports/projectThreats/tnc-thenatureconserva-2014-00164/

 

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___________________________________________________________________________
Contributor(s): Amielle DeWan        
Affiliation: IFAW
Email:  adewan@ifaw.org                
Date:  7 February 2011