Viable Populations for Conservation [Paperback]

This book addresses research in the rapidly developing integration of conservation biology with population biology.The related roles of demographic and environmental factors in species population control are addressed through the integration of conservation biology with population biology.The related roles of demographic and environmental factors in species population control are addressed through the integration of conservation biology with population biology.What is the minimum viable population (MVP) of a particular species? Besides the obvious implications for conservation, especially of endangered species, this question raises important issues in population biology. MVP obviously varies with demographic, life history and environmental factors, but also depends upon genetic load and genetic variability. This book addresses the most recent research in the rapidly developing integration of conservation biology with population biology. Chapters consider the roles of demographic and environmental variability; the effects of latitude, body size, patchiness and metapopulation structure; the implications of catastrophes; and the relevance of effective population size on inbreeding and natural selection. Other topics addressed include the role of decision theory in clarifying management alternatives for endangered species, and the opportunities for improved co-operation between agencies responsible for management. The book concludes with a forward-looking and plain-speaking summary on future research and its application for conservation practice.Preface; 1. Introduction Michael E. Soul?; 2. The demography of chance extinction Daniel Goodman; 3. Extinction models and mammalian persistence Gary E. Belovsky; 4. Minimum viable population size in the presence of catastrophes Warren J. Ewens, P. J. Brockwell, J. M. Gani and S. I. Resnick; 5. Minimum viable populations: coping with uncertainty Mark Shaffer; 6. Effective population size, genetic variation, and their use in popul“<