Endangered Species Group Journal
July 7, 1999

We met with our cooperating mentor Dr. Jon Paul Rodríguez, from Princeton University at Eno Hall.  He is a post-doctoral associate and  he specializes in conservation biology.

In the morning we dealt with general background information pertaining to species survival.  We also discussed computer models involving forecasting of extinction risk.  During this discussion we learned about  population viability analysis using computer software packages, specifically the RAMAS EcoLab 2.0.  A decision was made to use this model to predict the survival rate of a given species, to be decided upon later.

After lunch, we met at Green Hall to research the practical problems facing ecologists, conservation biologists and natural resource managers. We used the RAMAS EcoLab 2.0 software, which allowed us to consolidate important concepts in a way that is simple to understand. It guided us step-by-step through a graduated series of explanations; examples and exercises designed to show us how models of population growth and regulation are used in ecology.  The use of real examples and field data of well known endangered species raised our interest and showed us the relevance of demographic models.

Upon reflection, we decided to concentrate our efforts using the whooping crane as a case study, exemplifying a species at risk.  The only self-sustaining wild population of whooping cranes in the United States, is the Aransas/Wood Buffalo group.

We decided to divide into specific subgroups, one group would gather existing information using the Princeton Biology Department Library, while the other group researched over the world wide net.  We decided to regroup on Friday, July 9, and discuss our findings.

July 9, 1999

This morning we reviewed our findings on the Whooping Crane.  Lois, June and Curtis researched the baseline information with Jon Paul.  June, Erica and Suzanne decided to concentrate on collecting additional background information and images.

We met after lunch and collated existing information and the history of decline.  We  ran a simulation of the baseline scenario and determined that the species was threatened.  The parameters were then varied incrementally from a selected minimum and maximum, to simulate the alternate management options.

As a result of this information, we chose three management options: standard deviation of population growth rate, initial population size, and habitat change.  We then collected data.  Using this data we generated three graphs to reflect these options.  We decided to meet on Monday to analyze the effectiveness of these three parameters and assess the vulnerability of the population to extinction.

July 12, 1999

Today, we were very eager to discuss possible scenarios and reach conclusions.  Jon Paul reviewed our graphs and spoke on risk assessment.  We agreed we could not manipulate climate variability, but would look into the cost benefit of initial population and habitat change and what kind of conservation action we could suggest.

In the afternoon we started putting the pieces together to form our web page and power point presentation.  We are scheduled to present our lab next Wednesday.

Working with Jon Paul has been an honor and a privilege.  Working together in a group with a common cause gave us a sense of camaraderie and a mission: to provide experience, knowledge and inspiration to involve people in resolving threats to whooping cranes.
 

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