CPC Best Reintroduction Practice Guidelines: Astragalus bibullatus Case Study

CPC Best Reintroduction Practice Guidelines: Astragalus bibullatus Case Study

Matthew Albrecht, Missouri Botanical Garden (SePPCon 2016)

Reintroduction is a critical component of rare species conservation with the goal of continuing evolution in a natural context. Within the southeastern U.S. 81% of recovery plans include reintroduction as a proposed conservation action, while in Hawaii almost all plant recovery plans recommend reintroduction to ensure persistence in the wild. Following CPC Reintroduction Guidelines can help improve success. Ex situ conservation and in situ habitat management should precede reintroduction. Prior to reintroduction gathering information about species biology, genetics, mating system, interactions and habitat is advised.  Aspects of designing a reintroduction include considering genetic,demographic and horticulture. Whether a single or mixed genetic source should be used, how large a founding population and more questions are addressed.    Using an example of Astragalus bibullatus, Matthew describes several aspects of using experimentation to test hypotheses for improving reintroduction success.

This work was presented at the Southeast Partners in Plant Conservation (SePPCon) 2016 Meeting. Learn more about SePPCon here.