Viable Populations for Conservation

This book addresses research in the rapidly developing integration of conservation biology with population biology.

Michael E. Soulé (Edited by)

9780521336574, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 13 August 1987

204 pages
22.7 x 15.3 x 1.3 cm, 0.303 kg

"I believe Michael Soulé has provided a book which will be a useful tool and reference for those involved in decision making for the field of conservation biology." The Canadian Field Naturalist

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. Soulé
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 population management Russell Lande and George F. Barrowclough
7. Spatial structure and population vulnerability Michael E. Gilpin
8. Managing critically endangered species: the Sumatran rhino as a case study Lynn A. Maguire, Ulysses S. Seal and Peter F. Brussard
9. The role of interagency cooperation in managing for viable populations Hal Salwasser, Christine Schonewald-Cox and Richard Baker
10. Where do we go from here? Michael E. Soulé
Index.

Subject Areas: Conservation of wildlife & habitats [RNKH]