Modeling Agassiz's desert tortoise population response to anthropogenic stressors

摘要: Agassiz's desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) populations are exposed to a variety of anthropogenic threats, which vary in nature, distribution, severity, and frequency. Tortoise management conservation areas can be compromised when the relative importance these threats is not well understood. We used HexSim develop simulation models for occupying 2 study western-central (Superior Cronese California, USA) eastern (Gold Butte-Pakoon Nevada Arizona, Mojave Desert, each with distinct set site-specific threats. developed that were parameterized from published information, conducted independent simulations at varying levels severity area. Modeled both subjected associated human presence subsidized predators. Additional simulated Superior model included disease habitat degradation on land in-holdings, whereas Gold further wildfire, livestock grazing, feral burros. our area-specific rank threats' population viability. Threats more widely distributed time space within modeled significantly limited growth than patchily or temporally dynamic. Our use spatially explicit allowed us evaluate prioritize effects over site-specific, dynamic, landscapes, differed previous modeling efforts tortoises. threat prioritization will inform improve ongoing attempting increase viability by altering disturbance regimes. © 2016 The Wildlife Society.