Data Submission Package for Manuscript 'Alaska as a failed socio and ecological state? Some supporting evidence from the absence of carnivorous plant trait conservation using open access and ensemble model predictions'

Abstract

Plants with carnivorous traits are of great importance. However, it is globally noticed that without effective conservation, a declining number of suitable habitats, and the wide destruction of currently realized niches, their future does not appear bright. In a region that had all possibilities to “get things right” upon its statehood being granted in 1959, Alaska has, up to the present moment, consistently fallen short in stabilizing an effective conservation system for this group of plant traits and its habitats. Coupled with many other socio-ecological issues that persist from the colonial and industrial past and worsen over time, as well as the rise of new issues such as global climate change and “the great acceleration,” Alaska presents virtually all the typical indicators of a failed socio-ecological state (as a term used by The World Bank). For a wider assessment, here we compiled all Open Access data in the public realm related to eight carnivorous plant species in Alaska and overlaid them for an assessment with nine predictor layers. Beyond raw data, we developed ensemble models serving the purpose of indicating generalized hotspots and coldspots of plants with carnivorous traits, also using citizen-science occurrence data. Further, we analyzed the predicted occurrence with the underlaying land ownership/use types as well as mining claims as an example of a leading industrial activity. Alaska actually hosts the majority of the US National Park System, but we find the majority of carnivorous plants located outside, and a higher predicted occurrence within officially designated mining areas than outside. In our assessment, we see no relevant policy, vision, efficient action, or principles of strategic conservation management applied to plants and their traits, specifically carnivorous plants in Alaska and its leadership. Judged by the major socio-ecological metrics, it confirms evidence that Alaska does not present basic performance metrics of good natural resource management, and thus it would meet the definition of a failed state.