PARENT SESSION
Poster Session 31: Rare, Threatened, and Endangered Species
Thursday, August 11, 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM, Exhibit Hall 220 A-E, Level 2, Palais des congrès de Montréal
Using risk assessment for prioritizing research and conservation for a set of rare and imperiled species in Florida.
Barnes, Jami1, Root, Karen*,1, 1 Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH
ABSTRACT- Florida continues to be one of the most rapidly growing states in the U.S. This creates an urgent need to prioritize landuse to reconcile the needs of humans and native species. In response, we have developed a project with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission that focuses on a set of 50 rare and imperiled wildlife species in Florida. Using GIS and population viability analyses, our approach combines habitat suitability maps with spatially-explicit population models for each species. Using the best available data, we identify demographic variables with the greatest impact on survival and what patches of habitat are important for persistence. This approach is useful for a wide variety of species, including those for which we have extensive ecological knowledge (e.g, Grasshopper Sparrow), as well as those for which we have very little (e.g., Cedar Key Mole Skink). Here we highlight this approach and its utility using two case studies. The Cedar Key Mole Skink is a subspecies of reptile that is limited to a small group of islands off the west coast of Florida. Our model, based on data available from closely related species, revealed that adult survival was the primary factor influencing long-term persistence. Several large populations, currently unprotected, are critical and should be targeted for conservation efforts. The Florida Grasshopper Sparrow is a cooperatively breeding, territorial bird that prefers early successional prairies. Based on our model of this relatively well known species, it is critically important to protect the larger populations (those with at least 50 breeding pairs) and to maintain dispersal corridors. Using spatially-explicit models allows us to collate all available demographic data and identify life history parameters that are critical for long-term viability. Our research provides recommendations for prioritizing future research efforts and more effective conservation planning.
Key words: risk assessment, viability, Florida