Analysis of Factors Affecting Population Viability and Reintroduction Attempts of Native Mammals in Acadia National Park (Draft)
Chilelli M, Gilbert JR, Griffith B, O'Connell AF, National Park Service, Acadia National Park. 1994. Analysis of Factors Affecting Population Viability and Reintroduction Attempts of Native Mammals in Acadia National Park (Draft)
'With escalating habitat fragmentation, native wildlife populations will become increasingly restricted to disjunct habitats. The ability of National Parks to sustain viable populations of wildlife species in habitat patches needs to be evaluated. We used stochastic simulation modeling to assess potential endangerment for small free-ranging or reintroduced populations of mammals based on life history characteristics, population size, environmental variation, and habitat patch size. Viability of simulated populations of mammals was based on an arbitrary definition of minimum viable population: = 1-year-old bears. Simulated black bear populations on Mt. Desert Island are not of sufficient size to maintain genetic vigor. Any black bear population on Mount Desert Island would have to be considered part of a viable mainland population.' 'Our analyses and results allow quantitative evaluation of the ability of a fragmented park to support native mammals and identify reintroduction strategies most likely to succeed. The estimates derived from these simulations may be used to identify local populations at risk, set management goals for population size, number of populations, and habitat fragmentation size, estimate the probability of reintroduction success, and to help in prioritizing research and management options based on population risk and potential for successful reintroduction. Additionally, these analyses can provide data critical for deriving recovery goals for endangered and threatened species that will ensure their viability.' /STUDY LOCATIONS:/ /ACADIA NATIONAL PARK/MOUNT DESERT ISLAND/
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Chilelli, Maryellen; Gilbert, James; Griffith, Brad; O'Connell, Allan; National Park Service, Acadia National Park
- Date of Issue
- 1994-04-25
- Units
- ACAD
- Keywords
- Acadia National Park, Breeding, Genetics, Mammals, Mortality, Mount Desert Island, Population, Reintroduction