INHS Events

This seminar will be held in room 1005 Forbes Natural History Building, 1816 S Oak Street, Champaign or you may join virtually at https://illinois.zoom.us/j/81252729288?pwd=KJ4tsA2eepvZ8CR5a5qZbM1bt53EBH.1&from=addon | Meeting ID: 812 5272 9288 | Password: 918965

Abstract: In order to determine how to prioritize protection for species, it is necessary to assess their conservation status. State threatened and endangered (T&E) species lists are useful for determining conservation priorities, but listing criteria differ by state, so aligning priorities across political boundaries can be difficult. State conservation status ranks (S-ranks) offer a standardized way to assess species imperilment and can inform conservation action at the regional, national, and global level. Ranks are generally assessed on a scale of 1 (Critically Imperiled) to 5 (Secure) using a calculator that weights rarity, threats, and trends. We updated the S-ranks of Illinois threatened and endangered plant species for the first time since 1987. Species were ranked as less imperiled overall than in 1987, likely because of better population information as a result of more field surveys and attention. We used updated rank data to determine unprotected areas with high concentrations of imperiled species that should be top priorities for conservation acquisition. Updated S-ranks have also been used to inform state listing decisions, determine survey priorities, and prioritize the most imperiled species for immediate intervention.