title: Conservation successes at micro-, meso- and macroscales.
abstract: Although large-scale biodiversity declines are ongoing, certain conservation actions have made a positive difference. Rates of extinction and endangerment of vertebrate species, for instance, have probably been reduced via conservation interventions. Such conservation actions operate at different spatial scales. Habitat preservation and endangered species recovery are examples of conservation successes at microscales. Mesoscale conservation includes regional cooperation among neighboring countries that has arrested population declines of endangered species, such as mountain gorillas. At macroscales, public pressure on multinational corporations has sometimes resulted in their abandoning environmentally damaging practices or suppliers with poor environmental records. Overall, conservation projects such as these need more long-term funding and greater political and popular support, and must also include provisions to evaluate and document their outcomes. As we discuss here, a focus on conservation successes achieved at different scales can help to promote these aims and guide future conservation victories.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 14 Science Drive 4, Singapore 117543, Republic of Singapore.
authors.forename: Navjot S
authors.initials: NS
authors.lastname: Sodhi
authors.forename: Rhett
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Butler
authors.forename: William F
authors.initials: WF
authors.lastname: Laurance
authors.forename: Luke
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Gibson
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D044822:Biodiversity; D001717:Birds; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources / Q000191:economics* / Q000379:methods*; D017753:Ecosystem; D056727:Endangered Species; D007391:International Cooperation; D008322:Mammals; D011057:Politics; D013997:Time Factors; D014714:Vertebrates