What are focal species?

The Focal Species Approach

Partners in Flight BC/Yukon uses the focal species approach (Lambeck1997) to set biological objectives and link priority species with specific conservation recommendations. It is a multi-species approach in which the ecological requirements of a suite of focal species are used to define an 'ideal landscape' to maintain the range of habitat conditions and ecological processes required by landbirds and many other species (Figure 1). Focal species are considered most sensitive to or limited by certain ecological processes ( e.g. fire or nest predation) or habitat attributes ( e.g. patch size or snags; Figure 1). The requirements of a suite of focal species are then used to help guide management activities.

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The Yellow-breasted Chat is an example of a Lowland Riparian Focal Species. For breeding, it requires dense wild rose shrub thickets within native lowland riparian floodplain habitat. Efforts to conserve this habitat will benefit chats and many other riparian species such as Gray Catbird, Song Sparrow and Willow Flycatcher.

Selecting Focal Species

PIF selects focal species by grouping priority species according to potential limiting factors or threats ( e.g. habitat loss, changes in fire regime, etc.) within each habitat category. The species thought to be most sensitive to, or having the most stringent ecological requirements for the particular factor, is usually identified as the focal species.

• The following criteria are generally considered when selecting focal species:
  Strong requirement or sensitivity to a limited or threatened habitat feature or ecological process, requirements are more stringent than and encompass those of other species.
  
  
• Relativity common breeder throughout habitat and region to allow for adequate sampling to monitor and evaluate conservation actions. Species that cannot be monitored effectively (e.g. some at risk species) may be paired or replaced with more abundant or widespread species with similar ecological requirements;
  
  
• Actual or perceived decline in population or historic breeding range, indicating the need for action to ensure persistence.

Together, the suite of focal species in all habitats should represent the full range of successional stages, spatial and habitat attributes, and management regimes representative of a healthy ecosystem.

Western Screech-Owl Large cotton wood snags and trees
Veery Native riparian thickets
Yellow Warbler Native riparian thickets - especially willow
Yellow-breasted Chat Native riparian thickets - especially wild rose
Lewis's Woodpecker Large cottonwood snags and trees adjacent to open areas
Figure 1. Example of the focal species approach applied to lowland riparian habitat in Canada’s Great Basin. The needs of this suite of focal species are used to help guide conservation recommendations for lowland riparian habitat (ref: Canada’s Great Basin Landbird Conservation Plan).