Linking Rare Plant Demography and Land Management Practices to Reduce Extinction Risk in Multiple Species in the Southeastern United States

Land management decisions are often implemented on perceived optimal environmental conditions, follow a habitat-based approach, or fail to account for climate change climate change which can lead to practices detrimental to population dynamics of rare plants and increase risk of extinction. Prescribed fire, canopy thinning, and managing herbivores are common management practices and are frequently cited as having a positive effect on one or more life history events. However, these actions do not always have the desired effects at the population level. Detailed demographic study of plant populations can elucidate conditions that contribute to population stability and growth while accounting for multiple factors, including those associated with management. To understand how plants respond to varying environmental factors, especially those manipulated through management practices, we will explore how NCBG utilizes demographic studies and population models for multiple species across various habitats. We aim to use these results to improve how land managers implement best practices regarding rare plants, to improve populations long-term outlooks, and meet recovery goals. We will highlight the partnerships between science, practitioners and private landowners, particularly for a new project as we aim to improve regional management techniques under future climate change in a biodiversity hotspot.