A metric for analyzing taxonomic patterns of extinction risk

Julie L. Lockwood, Gareth J. Russell, John L. Gittleman, Curtis C. Daehler, Michael L. McKinney, Andy Purvis

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

37 Scopus citations

Abstract

Spatial autocorrelation statistics can provide an efficient tool for exploring taxonomic patterns in extinction risk. Using Moran's I, we found that U.S. vertebrates exhibit little or no taxonomic clustering of extinction threat within orders, but much greater clustering within families and genera. Among amphibians, clustering was unusually high within families. Across classes, most groups had a similar degree of clustering at all taxonomic levels, despite their different evolutionary histories. Birds were the exception, with higher clustering at the genus and family level. Our results suggest that intrinsic traits play a large role in species endangerment. The taxonomic pattern produced can guide policymakers in their allocation of scarce conservation dollars and in their efforts to develop pre-emptive conservation programs.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1137-1142
Number of pages6
JournalConservation Biology
Volume16
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 2002
Externally publishedYes

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics
  • Ecology
  • Nature and Landscape Conservation

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'A metric for analyzing taxonomic patterns of extinction risk'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this