Design and implementation of monitoring studies to evaluate the success ofecological restoration on wildlife

Restoration projects are often developed with little consideration for unde rstanding their effects on wildlife. We contend, however, that monitoring t reatment effects on wildlife should be an integral component of the design and execution of any management activity, including restoration. Thus, we p rovide a conceptual framework for the design and implementation of monitori ng studies to understand the effects of restoration on wildlife. Our underl ying premise is that effective monitoring hinges on an appropriate study de sign for unbiased and precise estimates of the response variables. We advoc ate using measures of population dynamics for response variables given that they provide the most direct measures of wildlife status and trends. The s pecies to be monitored should be those constituting an assemblage of umbrel la species that represent the range of spatial and functional requirements of wildlife in a restored ecological system. Selection of umbrella species should be based on strong empirical evidence that justifies their usage. We also advocate that monitoring be designed as true experiments or quasi-exp eriments rather than as observational studies to allow for stronger inferen ces regarding the effects of restoration on wildlife. Our primary message i s that if monitoring is to be done, it must be scientifically based.