Population viability analysis as a tool in wildlife conservation policy: With reference to Australia |
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Authors: | David B Lindenmayer Tim W Clark Robert C Lacy Virginia C Thomas |
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Institution: | (1) Department of Conservation and Environment, Flora and Fauna Division, Wildlife Branch, 123 Brown St., 3084 Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia;(2) Northern Rockies Conservation Cooperative, Box 2705, 83001 Jackson, Wyoming, USA;(3) School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, Yale University, 06511 New Haven, Connecticut, USA;(4) Department of Conservation Biology, Chicago Zoological Society, 60513 Brookfield, Illinois, USA;(5) Department of Conservation and Environment, Flora and Fauna Division, Wildlife Branch, 123 Brown St., 3084 Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia |
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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. |
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Keywords: | Population viability analysis Wildlife conservation and policy Small populations Australia |
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