Reference no: EM133490981
Case: As climate change continues to impact the ranges of many species, some wildlife managers are turning to an intervention technique called 'Managed Relocation' (also called 'Assisted Migration'). Managed Relocation involves the movement of plant and animal species from their current areas to other locations outside of their historical range where they are likely to better persist under future climate conditions. The goal of managed relocation is to reduce loss of ecosystem services due to climate change, or reduce the probability of species extinction by moving populations of a species to a new area. However, some scientists think Managed Relocation is a bad idea for both ethical and ecological reasons. For example, the species that is intentionally moved will be an exotic species in its new home, which may come with numerous unintended consequences.
To help you think through this week's discussion, here are some interesting (optional) articles on the topic:
*Note several of the authors are our very own ASU School of Life Sciences professors, Dr. Ben Minteer, Dr. Jim Collins, and Dr. Osvaldo Sala!
Schwartz et al. 2012. Managed Relocation: Integrating the Scientific, Regulatory, and Ethical Challenges
Minteer and Collins. 2010. Move it or lose it? The ecological ethics of relocating species under climate change
Question
Do you support the practice of Managed Relocation for climate-threatened species? Why or why not? Support your argument from your experience, your reading, and your knowledge of Conservation Science.