Assisted colonization risk assessment: Response (Letter)

Abstract

Ricciardi and Simberloff highlight the dangers of some species introductions (which are real) but do not address the concurrent (and also very real) dangers of inaction when it comes to ameliorating the impacts of climate change on biodiversity. We are not proposing what the guidance about assisted colonization should be or endorsing assisted colonization in all cases. We propose just the opposite—that a task force of experts develop guidance and best practice. Assisted colonization is going to be used and has been used (1). We agree that there are cases when it would not be appropriate, but maintaining a policy void will not stop people from taking action. Well-constructed policy guidance would assist conservationists and governments in making informed decisions. There are 196 governments that are Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity, and it is far preferable to develop guidance on translocation decision-making that all of these governments could consult than to have 196 separate approaches.