Minimum Viable Population Size of the Red-Cockaded Woodpecker

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Abstract
We calculated a genetically based minimum viable population size of the red-cockaded woodpecker (Picoides borealis) using a formula derived from Hill (1972) and life history data from a long-term study. Based on published criteria for maintenance of genetic variability, a red-cockaded woodpecker population must contain 509 breeding pairs to be considered viable. It is likely that no existing population contains 509 breeding pairs. Genetically based estimates of population viability may not be valid, but if they are adopted as in the recovery plan for the red-cockaded woodpecker, the area required for a viable population would be .gtoreq. 25, 450 ha. The estimate of population size and area required for a unable population are considerably higher than those contained in the species'' recovery plan (U.S. Fish and Wildl. Serv. 1985).

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