Population viability analysis as a tool in wildlife conservation policy: With reference to Australia

Abstract

/ Wildlife conservation policy for endangered species restoration follows a six-phase process. Population viability analysis (PVA) can play a major contributing role in four of these. PVA, as discussed here, is a technique where extinction vulnerabilities of small populations are estimated using computer simulation modeling. The benefits and limitations of using PVA in wildlife decision and policy processes are reviewed based on our direct experience. PVA permits decision makers to set time frames for management, estimate the required magnitude of restoration efforts, identify quantitative targets for species recovery, and select, implement, monitor, and evaluate management strategies. PVA is of greatest value for rare species policy and management. However, a limitation of PVA simulation models is that they are constrained by the amount of biological data available, and such data are difficult to obtain from small populations that are at immediate risk of extinction. These problems may be overcome with improved models and more data. Our experience shows benefits of PVA far outweigh its limitations, and applications of the approach are most useful when integrated with decision analysis and completed within an adaptive management philosophy. PVAs have been carried out for 14 Victorian species and less used elsewhere in Australia. Management and recovery plans are developed from these PVAs. We recommend that PVA be used to guide research programs, develop conservation strategies, and inform decision and policy making for both endangered and nonendangered species because it can significantly improve many aspects of natural resource policy and management.

Cinco Años de Radiomarcaje de Osos Hormigueros (Myrmecophaga tridactyla): Mejoras Implementadas y Lecciones Aprendidas

“…Igualmente, el Cuadro 1 resume los resultados de cada uno de los escenarios de reintroducción simulados. Para la persona que quiera profundizar en la lógica de los análisis de viabilidad poblacional y en el funcionamiento de programas como VORTEX puede acudir a la siguiente bibliografía: Burgman et al 1993, Caughley 1994, Lindenmayer et al 1993, 1995, Beissinger y Westphal 1998 Como fruto de estas simulaciones se desprenden las siguientes recomendaciones concretas: en primer lugar, el éxito de la reintroducción va a depender principalmente de nuestra capacidad para reducir al máximo la mortalidad de los ejemplares adultos (ver escenarios 3-5 en Cuadro 2) y el impacto de los fuegos catastróficos (ver escenarios 3 y 6). En segundo lugar, para contar con una cierta probabilidad de éxito se debe planear la liberación de más de una docena ( y probablemente de 20) ejemplares a lo largo de todo el programa (ver resultados de escenarios 1-3).…”

Why the integration of demographic and site-based studies of disturbance is essential for the conservation of jarrah forest fauna

“…Lindenmayer et al (1993) and Lindenmayer and Possingham (1994) have provided reviews of the effectiveness of PVA in Australia.…”

Considering threats to population viability of the endangered Korean long-tailed goral (Naemorhedus caudatus) using VORTEX

“…PVAs can be used to assess a species' risk of extinction, providing a powerful tool for setting research priorities (Clark et al 1991). PVA is also used to compare alternative management and recovery options by simulating a range of possible scenarios that a species (endangered or non-endangered) may face in the future (Lindenmayer et al 1993). Speciesspecific PVA models have been developed for some endangered species (Boyce 1994).…”