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Viability of the Alaskan breeding population of Steller’s eiders

Open-File Report 2016-1084
By:  and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr20161084

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Abstract

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is tasked with setting objective and measurable criteria for delisting species or populations listed under the Endangered Species Act. Determining the acceptable threshold for extinction risk for any species or population is a challenging task, particularly when facing marked uncertainty. The Alaskan breeding population of Steller’s eiders (Polysticta stelleri) was listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act in 1997 because of a perceived decline in abundance throughout their nesting range and geographic isolation from the Russian breeding population. Previous genetic studies and modeling efforts, however, suggest that there may be dispersal from the Russian breeding population. Additionally, evidence exists of population level nonbreeding events. Research was conducted to estimate population viability of the Alaskan breeding population of Steller’s eiders, using both an open and closed model of population process for this threatened population. Projections under a closed population model suggest this population has a 100 percent probability of extinction within 42 years. Projections under an open population model suggest that with immigration there is no probability of permanent extinction. Because of random immigration process and nonbreeding behavior, however, it is likely that this population will continue to be present in low and highly variable numbers on the breeding grounds in Alaska. Monitoring the winter population, which includes both Russian and Alaskan breeding birds, may offer a more comprehensive indication of population viability.

Suggested Citation

Dunham, Kylee, and Grand, J.B., 2016, Viability of the Alaskan breeding population of Steller’s eiders: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2016–1084, 8 p., http://dx.doi.org/10.3133/ofr20161084.

ISSN: 2331-1258 (online)

Table of Contents

  • Ackknowledgments 
  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Methods
  • Results
  • Discussion
  • References Cited
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Viability of the Alaskan breeding population of Steller’s eiders
Series title Open-File Report
Series number 2016-1084
DOI 10.3133/ofr20161084
Year Published 2016
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Coop Res Unit Atlanta
Description v, 8 p.
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Additional Online Files (Y/N) N
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details