Effects of drought, invasive species, and habitat loss on future extinction risk of two species of imperiled freshwater turtle

摘要: While predicting species status into the future is inherently uncertain, it is necessary to properly inform conservation decision-making. Using a triple loop stochastic simulation model with a population viability analysis, we projected populations of the northwestern and southwestern pond turtle (Actinemys marmorata and Actinemys pallida, respectively) to the end of the century. We integrated the future trajectories and demographic or population-level effects of three primary threats (drought, invasive bullfrogs, and habitat loss) into the predictive model. Extinction risk of both species increased into the future, with projected widespread declines in abundance and a consistent, negative population growth. By the end of the century, mean probability of extinction was 50 % for the northwestern pond turtle and 75 % for the southwestern pond turtle. The northwestern pond turtle exhibited a latitudinal trend, with southern …