Using ecological theory to plan restorations of the endangered Beach jacquemontia (Convolvulaceae) in fragmented habitats

摘要: Summary Population viability and metapopulation theory models are heuristic tools that can be used to plan restorations assess their success. Using examples from South Florida, USA, we review background information ongoing reintroduction experiments with the federally endangered coastal perennial vine, beach jacquemontia, Jacquemontia reclinata (Convolvulaceae). All known wild populations declining in isolated habitat fragments varying size, occupied area, degree of isolation. Eleven sites ranging size 422 4800 m2 within extant species’ range have been identified characteristics suitable for J. introductions land managers amenable restoration efforts. Previous RAPD analysis indicated genetic diversity natural was positively correlated population size; two largest had highest smallest relatively low diversity. Despite fragmentation large distances between some populations, migration rates were very high among ( m = 4.05 ). Experimental crosses species has a mixed mating system. From 2001 2005, introduced 935 seven five locations using plants propagated ex situ at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. Reintroductions dramatically increased number by 72%. Survival time transplant 2005 ranged 2% 97%, not significantly parameters, such as, founding patch or connectivity populations. Reintroduced contributing seed pollen but no recruited seedlings yet observed. Although it may take decades before consider reintroduced self-sustainable, argue planning rare based on predictions ecological is advisable allow higher probability