Disturbance and the rising tide: the challenge of biodiversity management on low-island ecosystems

Authors

Michael S. Ross, Southeast Environmental Research Center, Florida International UniversityFollow
Joseph J. O'Brien, Center for Forest Disturbance Science, Southern Research Station, USDA Forest Service,Follow
R. Glenn Ford, RG Ford Consulting
Keqi Zhang, International Hurricane Research Center and Department of Environmental Studies, Florida International UniversityFollow
Anne Morkill, Key Deer National Wildlife Refuge, US Fish and Wildlife Service

Abstract

Sea-level rise presents an imminent threat to freshwater-dependent ecosystems on small oceanic islands, which often harbor rare and endemic taxa. Conservation of these assemblages is complicated by feedbacks between sea level and recurring pulse disturbances (eg hurricanes, fire). Once sea level reaches a critical level, the transition from a landscape characterized by mesophytic upland forests and freshwater wetlands to one dominated by mangroves can occur suddenly, following a single storm-surge event. We document such a trajectory, unfolding today in the Florida Keys. With sea level projected to rise substantially during the next century, ex-situ actions may be needed to conserve individual species of special concern. However, within existing public conservation units, managers have a responsibility to conserve extant biodiversity. We propose a strategy that combines the identification and intensive management of the most defensible core sites within a broader reserve system, in which refugia for biota facing local extirpation may be sought.

Comments

This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation through the Florida Coastal Everglades Long-Term Ecological Research program under Cooperative Agreements #DBI-0620409 and #DEB-9910514. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in the material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

Recommended Citation

Ross, M.S., J.J. O'Brien, G. Ford, K. Zhang, A. Morkill. 2009. Disturbance and the rising tide: the challenge of biodiversity management on low-island ecosystems. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment 7: 471-478.