ABSTRACT
Key Words: density-dependent, density-independent, effective population size, Gompertz, lek counts, metapopulation, Ne, PVA, Ricker, stochastic process.
Conservation of imperiled species requires a fundamental understanding of population biology, which necessitates answers to several fundamental ecological questions: what is the current population status and long-term trends, does the species exhibit regular cyclical patterns or lag effects in abundance, what are the effects and magnitude of density dependence, has carrying capacity changed, is the population spatially structured as a metapopulation, and what do patterns of population dynamics forecast for future population viability? Fundamental information on population dynamics is needed to assist conservationists in establishing population goals for recovery, identifying thresholds that should initiate more intensive management, recognizing normal ebb and flow of population size, and identifying populations that may require more intensive action.
