Focus on Flora

To fill the gaps in knowledge used to determine conservation status, says Eimear Lic Lughadha in the October 1st issue of Science, "plants may be more representative of what's happening to the whole of biodiversity." The reliance of so many species on various plants has led to a new technique called the Sampled Red List Index, using statistical sampling for estimating the risk of extinction within a particular geographic location. This method confirms patterns already observed in conservation science; like the fact that birds are less likely to go extinct than mammals and amphibians.

Further evidence that wings are advantageous underscores the importance of migratory corridors. Birds are not as reliant on connectivity as other wildlife, so they are able to survive better when their habitat is fragmented. As we conduct our biodiversity monitoring and reforestation projects, we'll keep the Sampled Red List Index in mind. In the meantime, we'll maintain our commitment to working with various stakeholders to ensure maximum connectivity for our umbrella species, the endangered (and arboreal) black-handed Spider monkey, and for other Nicaraguan wildlife.