Synthesis: Lessons learned and recommendations for the future

What began nearly 30 years ago with anecdotal observations concerning the absence of the Allegheny woodrat (Neotoma magister) from some historically occupied areas has resulted in the emergence of this species as a conservation concern because of declining numbers throughout a large portion of its range (Hicks 1989, Beans 1992). The chapters in this book represent the efforts of researchers and managers who have attempted to understand the reasons for the decline and, at the same time, develop a strategy for conservation and management of the species. Although much has been gained from these efforts, this body of work also illustrates the difficulties faced in the study of a small-sized, inconspicuous, patchily distributed species that is in decline.