Helmeted Honeyeater

Linking Landscape Data with Population Viability Analysis: Management Options for the Helmeted Honeyeater Lichenostomus melanops cassidix

H. Resit Akçakaya
Applied Biomathematics, 100 North Country Road, Setauket, NY 11733

Michael A. McCarthy and Jennie L. Pearce
Forestry Section, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia

        Helmeted Honeyeater Lichenostomus melanops cassidix is an endangered bird species endemic to Victoria, Australia. In our analysis, we used spatial data (raster maps exported from ARC/INFO) on the habitat requirements of the helmeted honeyeater, and results of habitat modeling by Pearce et al. (1994) to create a habitat suitability map. We used RAMAS GIS to define the patch structure in this habitat map. We then combine this patch structure with demographic data to build a stage-structured, stochastic metapopulation model.

        One of the potential conservation measures available for the recovery of helmeted honeyeaters is the translocation of individuals from one of four closeby colonies to another area where they will be isolated from the catastrophes (such as fire) that may affect the current colonies. We used the metapopulation model to analyze the effectiveness of translocations as a conservation strategy for the helmeted honeyeater (see figure below).

The risk of decline of the Helmeted Honeyeater metapopulation as a function of the amount of decline, with and without translocation to a new population. For details, see Akçakaya et al. (1995; Biological Conservation 73:169-176).

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