Ecological Framework for Monitoring Sustainable Management of Wildlife: A NewMexico Furbearer Example

摘要

Understanding use relative to availability is necessary to manage wildlifeharvest sustainably. We used ecological zones (ecozones) as a framework for evaluating sustainable extraction and for making management decisions concerning 23 furbearing mammal species in Nex Mexico. We selected an ecological classification scheme, reviewed technical literature, mapped species distribution among ecozones, assessed harvest, estimated sustainable extraction thresholds (levels that trigger management review) where possible, and organized all information in a format with potential application to managing other wildlife. Technical literature review of 70 key words and species names identified 534 citations regarding furbearers in ecozones shared by New Mexico and adjacent states; 260 publications contained pertinent information. We used geographic information system (GIS) software to map estimated occupied habitat by ecozone. Species richness patterns indicated foci for future multiple-species research.