Pollen dispersal and intensity as criteria for the minimum viable population and species reserves

In small populations the lack of mating individuals may cause a reduction in reproductive potential which can restrict population expansion or cause further population declines. This is especially true in outcrossing monoecious and self-incompatible dioecious plant species. Principles of pollen dispersal suggest that many small to medium size population reserves of round shape will maximize the pollen interaction within and between island reserves. Diverse and low-density ecosystems require more total area in reserves than low-diversity and high-density ecosystems.