Improving supplementary feeding in species conservation.

Area of Science:

• Conservation Biology
• Wildlife Management
• Nutritional Ecology

Background:

• Supplementary feeding is a common but often unevaluated conservation tool for declining populations.
• Polarized views exist among managers regarding the effectiveness and risks of supplementary feeding.

Purpose of the Study:

• To advocate for a strategic approach to supplementary feeding, ensuring its justification and critical assessment.
• To integrate methods from nutritional ecology, population ecology, and structured decision-making for improved conservation outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Proposed a framework combining nutritional ecology, population ecology, and structured decision-making (SDM).
• Applied SDM to evaluate alternative feeding regimes for the endangered Hihi (Notiomystis cincta) in New Zealand.
• Assessed population responses to different feeding strategies to inform management decisions.

Main Results:

• The Hihi population on Kapiti Island responded positively to food supplementation.
• Management capacity was challenged by increasing feeding demands.
• A revised feeding regime was implemented, reducing feeder distribution and concentrating food delivery.

Conclusions:

• A structured decision-making approach provides a transparent and defensible method for managing supplementary feeding.
• This strategic approach optimizes resource allocation and integrates feeding into broader recovery plans.
• Informed decisions reduce the risk of inefficient conservation actions and enhance population recovery efforts.