Conservation status, threats, and information needs of small mammals in Alaska

Abstract

Abstract Small mammals are under‐represented in conservation research relative to other mammals. We assessed the conservation status of 36 small mammal species in Alaska, USA using the Alaska Species Ranking System (ASRS). We also surveyed taxonomic experts to identify threats, conservation actions, and research priorities for five small mammal species of high conservation priority. The ASRS evaluates species' population status, biological vulnerability, and information needs. According to this ranking system, 86% (n = 31) of species were of moderately high conservation priority. Species of highest priority included three species endemic to Alaska and four bats (Order Chiroptera). Most species (n = 24) had low biological vulnerabilities, but high information needs. Taxonomic experts identified direct and indirect climate change effects as important threats for three of the five species assessed. They listed population monitoring, habitat modeling, genetic diversity, and response to climate change as high priorities for future research. Agencies can use the ASRS with expert elicitation to set priorities for research and monitoring. For example, we highlight the need to monitor population trends, which were unknown or uncertain for all species. Finally, we underscore the importance of accounting for data deficiencies to avoid conflating sparse information with low conservation priority.

Keywords

• conservation assessment
• conservation prioritization
• conservation ranks
• data deficient species
• endemic species
• extinction risk