Citation
Multiple Causes of High Extinction Risk in Large Mammal Species
TL;DR
Identified four primary extinction risk factors in mammals
Quantifies extinction risk factors in mammals: small geographic range, low population density, slow life history (late maturity, low fecundity), and habitat specialization all increase vulnerability. This multi-factor model of extinction risk parallels the vulnerability audit framework for organizations.
The research demonstrates that extinction risk is predictable from measurable traits. Organizations can similarly assess their extinction vulnerability by measuring analogous factors: market concentration (geographic range), customer base size (population density), innovation speed (life history), and business model flexibility (specialization).
Key Findings from Cardillo & al. (2005)
- Identified four primary extinction risk factors in mammals
- Small geographic range increases vulnerability
- Slow reproduction limits recovery from population crashes
- Habitat specialization creates dependency on specific environments
- Multiple factors interact to amplify extinction risk