A comparative analysis of management options for grizzly bear conservation in the US-Canada trans-border area

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:2004
Authors:Proctor, MF, Servheen, C, Miller, SD, Kasworm, WF, Wakkinen, WL
Journal:Ursus
Volume:15
Pagination:145-160
Date Published:2004
Keywords:Ursus arctos
Abstract:

Grizzly bear (Ursus arctos) populations spanning the U.S.-Canada border in thesouth Selkirk, Purcell-Yaak, and Cabinet Mountains are small, vulnerable, andat the front lines of any further range contraction in North America. Recent genetics work demonstrated that the south Selkirk grizzlies are an isolated population (no male or female connectivity) of fewer than 100 individuals with a15-20% reduction in genetic diversity and that the Purcell-Yaak population isdeclining and demographically isolated (no female connectivity) with fewer than 50 individuals. The <25 animals living in the Cabinet Mountains population are likely isolated from both the south Selkirk Mountain and the Purcell-Yaak populations. We recognize these populations need enhanced management. To guidethe development of a comprehensive management plan, we explored the effects of 3 actions (population augmentation, enhanced population interchange, and reduced mortality through management actions). We simulated 2 populations of 50 and 100 individuals using population viability analysis (PVA) software (VORTEX). We examined these management actions and combinations of them on population growth rate and extinction probabilities. Our simulations suggest that augmentation had the largest demographic effect on population growth rate over the short-term, mortality reductions had the largest effect in the long-term, and establishing population interchange and reducing mortality had the greatest effect on extinction probability. Enhanced cooperative U.S. and Canadian efforts are required to address the issues facing these small grizzly populations and to build connectivity to existing larger populations and areas of vacant habitat. Our findings apply to recovery and conservation efforts for small populations of all species of bears.

Taxonomic name: 
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Scratchpads developed and conceived by (alphabetical): Ed Baker, Katherine Bouton Alice Heaton Dimitris Koureas, Laurence Livermore, Dave Roberts, Simon Rycroft, Ben Scott, Vince Smith