Biological Sciences Faculty Publications
Document Type
Article
Abstract
We developed a demographic model to perform a population viability analysis (PVA) of the Blue-throated Macaw (Ara glaucogularis), a critically endangered species endemic to Bolivia. PVA simulations were run using individual based (VORTEX 9.72) and cohort-based (RAMAS GIS 4.0) programs. A baseline simulation allowed for the assessment of the status of the species based on estimates of extinction risk and population declines under current conditions of abundance and habitat availability. The role of multiple demographic, environmental, and anthropogenic parameters was evaluated to assess changes affecting population declines and extinction risk. The baseline simulation showed that the Blue-throated Macaw has a relatively low probability of extinction during the next fifty years. However, continuing threats, including declines in abundance, small population size, and low population growth rates, make this species highly vulnerable to any change. Elasticity analysis of the baseline simulation and sensitivity analysis of changes in different demographic parameters demonstrated that increases in adult mortality had the greatest effect on population growth rate and extinction risk. Furthermore, simulations of anthropogenic impacts showed that small increases in habitat loss (2%) and population harvesting (3%) had drastic effects on population decline. Results from this study emphasize the need for conservation actions aimed at protecting breeding individuals (i.e., decreasing adult mortality), preventing poaching activities, and promoting the conservation of available habitat for nesting sites. © Strem and Bouzat; Licensee Bentham Open.
Copyright Statement
Publisher PDF
Repository Citation
Bouzat, Juan Luis and Strem, Rosa I., "Population Viability Analysis of the Blue-Throated Macaw (Ara Glaucogularis) Using Individual-Based and Cohort-Based PVA Programs" (2012). Biological Sciences Faculty Publications. 5.
https://scholarworks.bgsu.edu/bio_sci_pub/5
Publication Date
2012
Publication Title
Open Conservation Biology Journal
Publisher
Bentham Open
DOI
https://doi.org/10.2174/1874839201206010012
Start Page No.
12
End Page No.
24