Reexamining the Minimum Viable Population Concept for Turtle Populations

A recent paper that was publishes in Conservation Biology attempts to reexamine the use of the minimum viable population (MVP) concept in terms of managing turtle populations. Shoemaker et al. 2013 addresses the prevalence of this model and it's role in making management decisions with endangered species, particularly the Bog Turtle (Glyptemys muhlenbergii). Shoemaker and his colleagues argue that the MVP thresholds may be 1-2 orders too high for long-lived organisms like turtles. They also assert that protection of small and fragmented populations may constitute a viable a conservation option for these species, especially in a fragmented metapopulation context. It's worth a read, leave some feedback and opinions about it.