TITLE

The Population Viability Assessment Workshop: A Tool for Threatened Species Management

AUTHOR(S)

Clark, Tim W.; Backhouse, Gary N.; Lacy, Robert C.

PUB. DATE

July 2002

SOURCE

Endangered Species Update;Jul/Aug2002, Vol. 19 Issue 4, p136

SOURCE TYPE

Academic Journal

DOC. TYPE

Article

ABSTRACT

Population viability assessment (PVA) is a powerful tool in assessing the viability (i. e. likely persistence) of small populations, and in setting target numbers and area requirements for species recovery. By using computer models, four types of extinction processes can be simulated, and the effects of both deterministic and stochastic forces can be explored. PVA's also explore the outcome of management options. The utility of PVA was demonstrated at a workshop in Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia. Using the computer program, VORTEX, to simulate genetic, demographic, environmental and random events, workshop participants: (1) examined the status of data on six threatened species (mountain pygmy-possum, Burramys parvus; leadbeater's possum, Gymnobelideus leadbeateri; eastern barred bandicoot, Perameles gunnii; long-footedpotorroo, Potorous longipes; orange-bellied parrot, Neophema chrysogaster, and helmeted honeyeater, Lichenostomus melanops cassidix); (2) simulated their vulnerability to extinction; (3) examined outcomes of management options to restore the species; (4) estimated population targets needed for recovery planning; and (5) evaluated the potential of PVA as a teaching aid to illustrate extinction processes and management options. Workshop results showed that the majority of the species were highly susceptible to local extinction, though more field data would have been helpful. Simulation of management options demonstrated that early action in conservation management could have significantly reduced the current predicament of these species and that use of PVA' s could greatly improve conservation management for all six species. PVA's are therefore highly useful in the planning and carrying out of species recovery programs.

ACCESSION #

8629063

Tags: POPULATION viability analysis;  ENDANGERED species

 

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