What is a 'significant portion' of a range? Reply to Nelson et al. (2016)

Abstract

Contrary to the claim by Nelson et al. (2016; Endang Species Res 30:187-190), no court has rejected the biological framework we proposed for interpreting the 'significant portion of its range' (SPOIR) language in the US Endangered Species Act. The relative importance placed on current vs. historical range during implementation will be important in determining the success of the new ESA SPOIR policy.