A template for publishing the "Conservation chain" from problem Identification to Practical action, Exemplified through the Campaign for Butterfly protection in Israel

Abstract

Despite a worldwide increase in experience with species protection, few scientific publications are available to assist in deciding how to use ecological knowledge to protect species and how to proceed in the absence of this knowledge. To strengthen the link between science and applied conservation, we suggest an article format that covers all activities towards species protection including both its ecological and its political components. This article is an attempt to provide such a template for publishing conservation case studies. The paper focuses on the experience gained in recent activities to promote butterfly conservation in Israel. It describes the parallel components of these activities: (a) selecting species for protection; (b) studying the species and identifying threats while identifying potential links between these threats and services for ecosystems and humans; and (c) acting to raise public awareness and initiate conservation actions. Special emphasis is given to two components of the process that receive little attention in other publications, namely, interpreting scientific knowledge in terms of biological indicators and eco-system services to humans, giving conservation efforts political leverage; and the practical aspects of raising public awareness. Specifically in this context, we elaborate on the relative contribution of local and international NGOs, political institutions, international law, and, especially, the media. The paper closes with lessons from this process that may be of practical use to scientists and conservationists worldwide.

Keywords:

• butterflies
• species protection
• conservation campaign
• applied science
• conservation politics
• bioindicators
• umbrella species
• mass media