Managing American Oystercatcher (Haematopus palliatus) population qrowth by targeting nesting season vital rates

Waterbirds
By: , and 

Links

Abstract

In populations of long-lived species, adult survival typically has a relatively high influence on population growth. From a management perspective, however, adult survival can be difficult to increase in some instances, so other component rates must be considered to reverse population declines. In North Carolina, USA, management to conserve the American Oystercatcher (Haematopus palliatus) targets component vital rates related to fecundity, specifically nest and chick survival. The effectiveness of such a management approach in North Carolina was assessed by creating a three-stage female-based deterministic matrix model. Isoclines were produced from the matrix model to evaluate minimum nest and chick survival rates necessary to reverse population decline, assuming all other vital rates remained stable at mean values. Assuming accurate vital rates, breeding populations within North Carolina appear to be declining. To reverse this decline, combined nest and chick survival would need to increase from 0.14 to ≤ 0.27, a rate that appears to be attainable based on historical estimates. Results are heavily dependent on assumptions of other vital rates, most notably adult survival, revealing the need for accurate estimates of all vital rates to inform management actions. This approach provides valuable insights for evaluating conservation goals for species of concern.

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Managing American Oystercatcher (Haematopus palliatus) population qrowth by targeting nesting season vital rates
Series title Waterbirds
DOI 10.1675/063.040.sp106
Volume 40
Issue sp1
Year Published 2017
Language English
Publisher The Waterbird Society
Contributing office(s) Coop Res Unit Atlanta
Description 11 p.
First page 44
Last page 54
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details