Population viability analysis (PVA) is used in conservation biology and in the management of threatened or endangered species. In its broadest sense, PVA is a collection of methods for evaluating the threats faced by populations or species, their risks of extinction or decline, and their chances of recovery. It is based on species-specific data and computer simulation models.
NRP regularly undertake PVA modelling for renewable energy developers. This work has included assessing the impact of wind farm collision mortality on, for example, SPA golden plover populations and the Central Scotland red kite population. Outputs from PVA modelling are used to inform renewable impact assessments and help set conservation management targets.
Photo: G. Connelly