TRACKING THE LONG-TERM DECLINE AND RECOVERY OF AN ISOLATED POPULATION

Effects of small population size and reduced genetic variation on the viability of wild animal populations remain controversial. During a 35 -year study of a remnant population of greater prairie chickens, popul ation size decreased from 2000 individuals in 1962 to fewer than 50 by 1994. Concurrently, both fitness, as measured by fertility and hatchi ng rates of eggs, and genetic diversity declined significantly. Conser vation measures initiated in 1992 with-translocations of birds from La rge, genetically diverse populations restored egg viability. Thus, suf ficient genetic resources appear to be critical for maintaining popula tions of greater prairie chickens.