National Conservation Training Center Training Announcement
Population Viability Analysis I: Concepts and Procedures (CSP4110)
Course Dates: July 12-16, 2010
Location: National Conservation Training Center (NCTC), Shepherdstown, WV
Course Description/Course Overview:
Population Viability Analysis I course will explore the theory and
application of analytical approaches and models to the management of
threatened and endangered plant and animal populations. Emphasis will also
be placed on the development of analytical skills, estimation of vital
rates, modeling population dynamics, and the interpretation of model
outcomes for managing threatened populations. The course is designed for
the students to learn the concepts and techniques through lectures,
exercises, and working with data sets. The aim of these exercises is to
familiarize students with the mathematical notation, statistical
approaches, and modeling techniques frequently used in population viability
analysis.
Concepts and techniques covered in class will include: (1) methods of
population trend (count-based) analysis to estimate deterministic and
stochastic population growth rates, and for stochastic projection of
unstructured models; (2) creation of life cycle diagrams, and age- and
stage-based projection matrices to calculate deterministic population
growth rates; (3) use of sensitivity analysis of deterministic matrix
models to evaluate the elasticity and sensitivity of demographic parameters
to perturbation; (4) stochastic population simulation modeling, (5)
techniques for demographic parameter estimation; (6) measures of
uncertainty and Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) model selection methods,
and (7) approaches to modeling metapopulations including structured and
occupancy models.
Instructors: Dr. Steve Beissinger (University of California, Berkeley
Campus)
Dr. Zach Perry (University of Wisconsin, Madison Campus)
Who Should Attend: The course is designed for individuals who are
competent in basic population biology and are interested in developing
and/or strengthening their ability to perform population viability
analysis. We are targeting FWS biologists and others whose job
responsibilities include the assessment and analysis of population data or
trends in populations for a variety of activities or responsibilities.
Course Length: 4 ½ days/36 hours
Course Objectives: The objective of this course is to develop the
practical skills in the students, given the diverse array of models and
procedures available, needed to assess and critique population trend and
viability analyses in the field.
Cost: There is no tuition fee for FWS, NPS, and BLM personnel. Tuition is
$1150 for other participants.
Application deadline: July 5, 2010
How to Apply: Register online at https://doilearn.doi.gov/. Non-DOI
employees should click on “Public Catalog Login” then type the course code
(CSP4110) in the Search box. Then click on the course title.
Questions: Please contact Joe W. Witt ([email protected]) or So Lan Ching
([email protected]), Division of Conservation Science and Policy, at
304/876-7447 or 304/876-7771.
