Jennifer L. Funk, Valerie T. Eviner, Magda Garbowski, Justin M. Valliere
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Trait‐based restoration strategies are gaining significant attention in the scientific community. A recent article in Restoration Ecology by Merchant et al. outlined four reasons why traits are underused in restoration practice. In their response to the paper, Gornish et al. highlighted examples of how practitioners do, in fact, use traits in restoration and made recommendations for researchers to better engage with practitioners to leverage existing knowledge. Here, we clarify a preeminent challenge for either perspective: that we continue to lack the empirical data needed to develop and apply the effective trait‐based tools envisioned by many researchers. Long‐term, spatially replicated studies designed to address context‐dependency are needed to address critical knowledge gaps. Co‐developing projects with practitioners not only fosters more realistic and relatable study designs but also increases the likelihood of adopting new methods, enabling long‐term research that advances theory while improving local outcomes through more accurate trait‐based predictions.
期刊介绍:
Restoration Ecology fosters the exchange of ideas among the many disciplines involved with ecological restoration. Addressing global concerns and communicating them to the international research community and restoration practitioners, the journal is at the forefront of a vital new direction in science, ecology, and policy. Original papers describe experimental, observational, and theoretical studies on terrestrial, marine, and freshwater systems, and are considered without taxonomic bias. Contributions span the natural sciences, including ecological and biological aspects, as well as the restoration of soil, air and water when set in an ecological context; and the social sciences, including cultural, philosophical, political, educational, economic and historical aspects. Edited by a distinguished panel, the journal continues to be a major conduit for researchers to publish their findings in the fight to not only halt ecological damage, but also to ultimately reverse it.