Supporting Species Translocations: From Historic Ranges to Suitable Ecosystems
Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service. 2023 Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants: Designation of Experimental Populations. 50 CFR Part 17. Federal Register Vol. 88, No. 126 Rules and Regulations. PDF
Summary
With rapid climate change, moving native species into climate-suitable habitat is an important part of adaptation (e.g., Lopez et al. 2021). Although ‘climate-smart’ restoration and conservation are often discussed as viable approaches, there remains limited action on this front. Federal policies could enable more agencies and conservation organizations to experiment with the climate-informed translocation of species. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) issued a final rule in July 2023 that embraces the movement of native species outside of their historical ranges. The rule amends the Endangered Species Act to remove a previous requirement that translocated experimental populations of endangered or threatened species can only be established within the species' historical range. Consequently, this change allows for the introduction of populations in climate-suitable habitats, whether or not the species was historically found in the area. This new rule was made because of the increasing number of cases where habitats within the species’ historical range have been compromised due to irreversible decline from climate change and invasive species.The FWS concluded that the ability to introduce experimental populations beyond historical ranges can aid in preventing severe depletion of species, loss of genetic diversity, and the need for extreme conservation measures to prevent extinction.
The amendment was subject to public comments, which are presented with the FWS responses in the Federal Register. The FWS considered and addressed these comments in developing the final rule. For example, several comments expressed concern about the impact of translocated populations on native species and habitats–could the new population act like an invasive species in the new habitat (e.g., Laginhas et al. 2020)? The FWS responded that species of conservation concern rarely have invasive traits, but because of these comments they added language to the rule that experimental population introductions must not adversely affect ecosystems and that the FWS will follow guidelines for ecological risk assessment of the habitat where the population will be introduced. Overall, the revised regulations seek to enhance the conservation and recovery of endangered and threatened species by allowing for more flexible and adaptive approaches in light of climate change, invasive species, and other threats.
Take home points
Adaptive Conservation: The amendment allows the introduction of experimental species populations beyond historical ranges, acknowledging the impact of climate change and invasive species, thus supporting climate-smart adaptation.
Climate Change Focus: By permitting populations outside historical ranges, the amendment explicitly recognizes that irreversible habitat decline caused by climate change is a threat to native species populations within their historical ranges.
Invasive Species Consideration: By permitting populations outside historical ranges, the amendment also recognizes that invasive species are a threat to native species populations within their historical ranges.
Management implications
Managers within the US Fish and Wildlife Service can now strategically introduce experimental species populations outside historical ranges, aiding species' adaptation to changing climates and habitats.
This amendment encourages collaboration among local, state, and federal agencies to identify suitable habitats, monitor populations, and share resources for successful experimental introductions in new areas.
While this rule applies to endangered and threatened species, it provides clear Federal recognition of the need to translocate species populations to support climate adaptation.
Keywords
Range Expansion; adaptive management; Endangered Species Act; policy; assisted migration