Conservation managers typically need to make prompt decisions based on limited information and resources. Consequently, generalisations have essential roles in guiding interventions. Here, we (i) critique information on some widely accepted generalisations and variables affecting them, (ii) assess how adequately genetic factors are currently incorporated into population viability analysis (PVA) models used to estimate minimum viable population sizes, and (iii) relate the above to population size thresholds of the IUCN Red List criteria for threatened species that were derived from genetic considerations. Evidence accumulated since 1980 shows that genetically effective population size (N_e) = 50 is inadequate for preventing inbreeding depression over five generations in the wild, with N_e ⩾ 100 being required to limit loss in total fitness to ⩽10%. Further, even N_e = 500 is too low for retaining evolutionary potential for fitness in perpetuity; a better approximation is N_e ⩾ 1000. Extrapolation from census population size (N) to N_e depends on knowing the ratio of N_e/N, yet this information is unavailable for most wild populations. Ratio averages (∼0.1–0.2) from meta-analyses are sufficient, provided adjustments are made for dissimilar life histories. Most PVA-based risk assessments ignore or inadequately model genetic factors. PVA should routinely include realistic inbreeding depression, and genetic impacts on evolutionary potential should be incorporated where appropriate. Genetic generalisations used in conservation, the treatment of genetics in PVAs, and sections of the IUCN Red List criteria derived from genetic considerations, all require revision to be more effective conservation tools.

Item Type:	Refereed Article
Keywords:	effective population size, evolutionary potential, fragmentation, gene flow, inbreeding depression, minimum viable population size
Research Division:	Biological Sciences
Research Group:	Genetics
Research Field:	Genetics not elsewhere classified
Objective Division:	Environmental Management
Objective Group:	Terrestrial systems and management
Objective Field:	Terrestrial biodiversity
UTAS Author:	Brook, BW (Professor Barry Brook)
ID Code:	97901
Year Published:	2014
Web of Science® Times Cited:	521
Deposited By:	Biological Sciences
Deposited On:	2015-01-21
Last Modified:	2017-10-31
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