Abstract The awareness of the need for robust impact evaluations in conservation is growing and statistical matching techniques are increasingly being used to assess the impacts of conservation interventions. Used appropriately matching approaches are powerful tools, but they also pose potential pitfalls. We outlined important considerations and best practice when using matching in conservation science. We identified 3 steps in a matching analysis. First, develop a clear theory of change to inform selection of treatment and controls and that accounts for real‐world complexities and potential spillover effects. Second, select the appropriate covariates and matching approach. Third, assess the quality of the matching by carrying out a series of checks. The second and third steps can be repeated and should be finalized before outcomes are explored. Future conservation impact evaluations could be improved by increased planning of evaluations alongside the intervention, better integration of qualitative methods, considering spillover effects at larger spatial scales, and more publication of preanalysis plans. Implementing these improvements will require more serious engagement of conservation scientists, practitioners, and funders to mainstream robust impact evaluations into conservation. We hope this article will improve the quality of evaluations and help direct future research to continue to improve the approaches on offer.

中文翻译：

---

保护科学的统计匹配

摘要 人们越来越意识到保护中需要进行稳健的影响评估，并且越来越多地使用统计匹配技术来评估保护干预措施的影响。使用适当的匹配方法是强大的工具，但它们也会带来潜在的陷阱。我们概述了在保护科学中使用匹配时的重要注意事项和最佳实践。我们在匹配分析中确定了 3 个步骤。首先，发展一个清晰的变化理论，为治疗和控制的选择提供信息，并说明现实世界的复杂性和潜在的溢出效应。其次，选择合适的协变量和匹配方法。第三，通过一系列检查来评估匹配质量。第二步和第三步可以重复，并且应该在探索结果之前完成。通过在干预的同时增加评估计划、更好地整合定性方法、考虑更大空间尺度的溢出效应以及更多地发布预分析计划，可以改进未来的保护影响评估。实施这些改进将需要保护科学家、从业者和资助者更认真地参与，将强有力的影响评估纳入保护工作的主流。我们希望这篇文章能够提高评估的质量，并帮助指导未来的研究继续改进所提供的方法。实施这些改进将需要保护科学家、从业者和资助者更认真地参与，将强有力的影响评估纳入保护工作的主流。我们希望这篇文章能够提高评估的质量，并帮助指导未来的研究继续改进所提供的方法。实施这些改进将需要保护科学家、从业者和资助者更认真地参与，将强有力的影响评估纳入保护工作的主流。我们希望这篇文章能够提高评估的质量，并帮助指导未来的研究继续改进所提供的方法。