Kohdelajin

Kohdelajin is a term used in ecology and conservation to denote a species that is the focus of a particular management, monitoring, or policy action. In English, the equivalent phrases are typically “target species” or “focus species.”

The kohdelajin concept involves selecting a species based on the objectives of a program or project. Criteria often include conservation status, ecological role, vulnerability, and the feasibility of management actions. The designation can apply to native species, endangered species, invasive species, or species selected for restoration or monitoring.

Common applications include invasive species control (where the invasive itself is the kohdelajin), conservation initiatives prioritizing an endangered species, habitat restoration efforts that use a focal species to track progress, and monitoring programs that rely on an indicator species to assess ecosystem health. In each case the target guides actions, indicators, and evaluation.

Selection and evaluation are typically collaborative, involving scientists, policymakers, and stakeholders. Clear objectives and measurable success criteria are defined, and monitoring tracks population trends, distribution, and ecological effects. If outcomes do not meet targets, management plans are adjusted accordingly.

Origin and usage: kohdelajin is a Finnish term widely used in ecological planning, environmental assessments, and biodiversity policy, reflecting the practice of prioritizing specific species within broader management goals.

See also: target species, indicator species, flagship species, conservation priority.