Analytical Interpretation and Communication for Species Status Assessments

Target Audience: 

Biologists leading or assisting with Species Status Assessments

Summary and Objectives: 

The course aims to enhance biologists’ ability to interpret, apply, and communicate analytical needs and analysis results within the Species Status Assessment (SSA) framework. Analytical-based SSAs that use statistical and modeling techniques offer a robust and repeatable process that strengthens the scientific bases for decisions. Rather than spending weeks in training to learn how to conduct such analyses, this course provides knowledge and skills in organizing and interpreting species-related data and common analytical methods used in developing SSAs, as well as how to apply the results to inform the 3 R’s (Resiliency, Redundancy, and Representation). Participants will also learn to communicate in the language of statisticians and modelers who assist in conducting the analyses. Designed for biologists with limited analytical backgrounds, the training features hands-on exercises, discussions, and role-playing scenarios to reinforce key concepts and build practical skills. These skills will improve biologists’ efficiency in developing and applying SSAs with more complex analyses. Ultimately, participants will be better equipped to present technical findings during Recommendation Team or Recovery Planning Team meetings in a way that improves transparency and builds trust in analytical results.  

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Evaluate data quality and robustness based on FWS information quality standards, data source, and study design
• Evaluate options for defining the resolution and scale of an SSA from data available
• Interpret model types and analytical outputs from population dynamic, occupancy, and statistical categorical models using proper terminology
• Identify high-uncertainty situations and potential solutions for analyzing low-data model scenarios
• Communicate the SSA needs and analytical gaps to modelers to identify appropriate solutions
• Articulate model outputs in accessible language that aligns with the SSA framework
• Identify key uncertainties and assumptions that affect analyses and influence decision-making
• Communicate SSA analysis results to managers or recommenders in non-technical language that is clear and understandable 

Pre-Requisite: 

Introduction to Species Status Assessment or Introduction to Species Status Assessment - Online

Competencies Addressed:  

Data Interpretation - Intermediate, Decisiveness - Basic, Scenario Planning - Basic, Species Assessment - Intermediate, Planning and Evaluating - Intermediate