Birds of Indian Subcontinent

Minimum Viable Population Size of the Red-Cockaded Woodpecker

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:1988
Authors:J. Reed, M, Doerr, PD, Walters, JR
Journal:The Journal of Wildlife Management
Date Published:1988
ISBN Number:0022541X
Keywords:Picidae, Picoides, Picoides borealis
Abstract:We calculated a genetically based minimum viable population size of the red-cockaded woodpecker (Picoides borealis) using a formula derived from Hill (1972) and life history data from a long-term study. Based on published criteria for maintenance of genetic variability, a red-cockaded woodpecker population must contain 509 breeding pairs to be considered viable. It is likely that no existing population contains 509 breeding pairs. Genetically based estimates of population viability may not be valid, but if they are adopted as in the recovery plan for the red-cockaded woodpecker, the area required for a viable population would be ≥25,450 ha. The estimates of population size and area required for a viable population are considerably higher than those contained in the species' recovery plan (U.S. Fish and Wildl. Serv. 1985).
Short Title:The Journal of Wildlife Management
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