ESA Certified Ecologist (Ecologist-in-Training, Ecologist, Senior Ecologist) · USA · Ecological Society of America
Original practice questions written to the published syllabus · not past papersConservation beyond the field boundary: habitat fragmentation, corridors, land sparing versus land sharing, protected-area networks and conflict between wildlife and farmers.
In the exams: ICAR AICE subject 71 Unit 2 (national parks, sanctuaries); UPSC CSE Prelims environment; Forestry track overlaps on wildlife management
How our questions for ESA Certified Ecologist spread across the units of Landscape Ecology, Protected Areas & Human-Wildlife Interactions. Difficulty: 1 easy, 12 medium, 16 hard.
| Connectivity and wildlife corridors | 5 | |
| Systematic conservation planning | 5 | |
| Protected-area categories and management effectiveness | 4 | |
| Landscape structure: patches, corridors and matrix | 3 | |
| Habitat fragmentation and edge effects | 3 | |
| Community-based conservation and co-management | 3 | |
| Land sparing versus land sharing | 2 | |
| Human-wildlife conflict and crop raiding | 2 | |
| Other effective area-based conservation measures and 30 by 30 | 1 | |
| Wildlife trade and CITES | 1 |
Choose an answer, then open the working. Each explanation says why the right answer is right and why the others are not.
What did Fahrig's reviews argue about fragmentation per se?
C. Weak and mixed effects
Fahrig distinguished habitat amount from fragmentation per se and found the latter's effects usually weak and mixed; critics argue definitions and scale explain disagreements. The other claims misstate the debate.
Further reading: Fahrig 2017
What does circuit theory reveal in connectivity modelling?
D. All possible routes and pinch points
Circuit theory treats the landscape as a resistor network, showing diffuse movement and pinch points where flow concentrates.
Further reading: McRae et al. 2008
In density–yield analysis, which curve shape favours land sharing?
D. Convex: species decline only gradually as yield rises
If most species tolerate low-to-moderate intensity (convex curves), sharing performs well; concave curves favour sparing.
Further reading: Green et al. 2005
Who described the six stages of systematic conservation planning in 2000?
D. Margules and Pressey
Margules and Pressey's Nature paper (2000) set out the stages. The others are associated with island biogeography, landscape ecology and sparing–sharing.
Further reading: Margules and Pressey 2000
Under which standard are Key Biodiversity Areas identified?
C. The IUCN global KBA standard of 2016
KBAs are identified under the IUCN global standard using criteria such as threatened and restricted-range species. ISO 14001 and GRI 101 concern management systems and reporting.
Further reading: IUCN 2016
What is the IUCN Green List of Protected and Conserved Areas?
D. A standard certifying good governance, management and outcomes
The Green List certifies sites meeting a global standard. The World Database on Protected Areas is the register of all sites.
Further reading: IUCN Green List
Why do naive comparisons often overstate the effect of protected areas on deforestation?
A. Parks sit where pressure is low
Matching methods compare protected and similar unprotected land; because parks are often placed in remote, low-threat areas, simple comparisons exaggerate the protection effect. The other claims are false.
Further reading: Andam et al. 2008
What is the main concern about 'paper OECMs'?
A. Areas reported without evidence of conservation outcomes
Counting areas without demonstrated, lasting outcomes would inflate progress toward 30 by 30 without benefiting biodiversity. The other options misread the term.
Further reading: OECM literature
Why did capturing leopards and releasing them far away often increase conflict in Maharashtra?
C. Displaced leopards caused more attacks near release sites
Translocated leopards were associated with increased attacks near release sites, so managers shifted to awareness and response teams. The other claims are false.
Further reading: Athreya et al. 2011
Why do some community-based conservation programmes fail?
A. Elite capture or insecure rights
Reviews find failures where benefits are captured by elites, rights are insecure, costs outweigh benefits or external pressures dominate. The other claims are false.
Further reading: CBNRM literature
Ten here, 29 in the app. The Laisha app has every practice question we have written to ESA Certified Ecologist in this subject, marked as you go, with timed papers, a jump-to-unanswered list and a certificate when you pass at 70 per cent.
Free for ten days, then one subscription of US$10 a month. We would rather say so here than have you find it later.
An AI operating system for agriculture: free guides, manuals and tools written for every country.