Life‐history constraints on maximum population growth for loggerhead turtles in the northwest Atlantic

摘要: Conservation planning for protected species often relies on estimates of life-history parameters. A commonly used parameter is the instantaneous maximum population growth rate (rmax) that can be to limit removals and design recovery targets. Estimation rmax challenging because limited availability species- population-specific data information. We applied a method proposed by Neil Lebreton, originally developed birds, loggerhead turtles. The uses age-at-first-reproduction adult survival estimate rmax. variety datasets matrix models confirm an allometric assumption required method, generate survival. meta-analysis was parameters from reported curves, which were then combined with size distribution neophyte nesters derive age-at-first-reproduction. Adult rates obtained existing model. Monte Carlo simulation combine coefficients, age-at-first-reproduction, obtain probability approximate values. Estimated annual averaged 0.024, mode 0.017 95% highest density interval 0.006-0.047. These similar values others using different methods captured variability in positive, change across nesting beach sites northwest Atlantic population. use has long history wildlife fisheries management conservation planning. Our rmax, while having some biases uncertainty, encompassed presently turtles offer additional information endangered threatened species.