Modeling the dynamics of reintroduced populations

As human-induced climate change accelerates biodiversity loss, species that can no longer survive in geographically isolated habitats may be unable to shift their range, leaving them vulnerable to extinction. By studying the translocated hihi bird in New Zealand, Aliénor Chauvenet is finding ways to improve the success rates of “assisted colonisation”, or the translocation of species suffering from climate shifts to more suitable sites. “Research on population dynamics modelling has mainly focused on abundant species. I am developing a framework adapted to small populations of rare species,” she says. “The ultimate goal is to engage wildlife managers and policymakers, providing them with a set of tools to enhance the success rate of translocations and make the right decisions regarding biodiversity conservation.”