Application of multiple-population viability analysis to evaluate species recovery alternatives

Helen M. Neville; Douglas R. Leasure; Daniel C. Dauwalter; Jason B. Dunham; Robin Bjork; Kurt A. Fesenmyer; Nathan Chelgren; Mary M. Peacock; Charles H. Luce; Daniel J. Isaak; Lee Ann Carranza; Jon Sjoberg; Seth J. Wenger

doi:10.1111/cobi.13385

USGS · 70204535

Application of multiple-population viability analysis to evaluate species recovery alternatives

Helen M. Neville·Douglas R. Leasure·Daniel C. Dauwalter·Jason B. Dunham·Robin Bjork·Kurt A. Fesenmyer·Nathan Chelgren·Mary M. Peacock·Charles H. Luce·Daniel J. Isaak·Lee Ann Carranza·Jon Sjoberg·Seth J. Wenger

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Abstract

Population viability analysis (PVA) is a powerful conservation tool, but one that remains unapproachable for many species. This is particularly true for species with multiple, broadly-distributed populations for which collecting suitable data can be challenging. A recently-developed method of multiple population viability analysis (MPVA), however, addresses many limitations of traditional PVA. We build on previous development of MPVA for Lahontan cutthroat trout (LCT), a species listed under the US Endangered Species Act which is distributed broadly across habitat fragments in the Great Basin, USA. We simulated potential management scenarios and assessed their effects on population sizes and extinction risks in 211 streams where LCT exist or may be reintroduced.

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Helen M. Neville, Douglas R. Leasure, Daniel C. Dauwalter, Jason B. Dunham, Robin Bjork, Kurt A. Fesenmyer, Nathan Chelgren, Mary M. Peacock, Charles H. Luce, Daniel J. Isaak, Lee Ann Carranza, Jon Sjoberg, Seth J. Wenger. 2019-09-03. Application of multiple-population viability analysis to evaluate species recovery alternatives. https://doi.org/10.1111/cobi.13385

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