High Variability In Patterns Of Population Decline: The Importance Of Local Processes In Species Extinctions

Main Category: Biology / Biochemistry
Article Date: 03 Sep 2008 - 2:00 PDT

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In the current extinction crisis, it is well-known that some species are more vulnerable to extinction than others.

But do species always respond in the same way to human impacts? Our study of how primates respond to habitat disturbance indicates that any one species can show a range of responses, including population increases as well as declines, depending on the locality.

Thus, while species do vary in their vulnerability to global extinction, their patterns of decline are also influenced by local conditions.

These findings should help conservationists gain a better understanding of species extinctions and how to prevent them.

Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences

Proceedings B is the Royal Society's flagship biological research journal, dedicated to the rapid publication and broad dissemination of high-quality research papers, reviews and comment and reply papers. The scope of journal is diverse and is especially strong in organismal biology.

Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences