RAMAS Software for Population Modeling

Name: RAMAS Software for Population Modeling

Reference: http://www.ramas.com/conservation


Conservation planning step(s) when this would be used: Review Status, Set Goals and Objectives, Plan Actions, Evaluate and Adapt

Description of tool use:  The user specifies species-specific information such as the current population size, survival rate and fecundity.  In addition, if available, maps in standard GIS formats can be used to describe the species' habitat and specify the spatial structure of its populations.  The programs use this information to predict (project) the future size, structure, and spatial distribution of the species.

This tool can be used to assess the status of the species by predicting the risks of future population declines, population extirpations and species extinction.  The user can create separate models for different scenarios representing future impacts (such as climate change and land-use change scenarios, or harvest scenarios) , or representing alternative conservation actions (such as translocation, habitat corridors, protected areas, and harvest regulations).  These can be used to assess threats and to evaluate the effectiveness of conservation plans.

A sensitivity analysis tool (coded in R) allows identifying the most important data requirements.

Experience and expertise required to use the tool: Expertise in the demography of the focal species is required.  Familiarity with basic principles of population dynamics is required and can be obtained using an associated textbook (Applied Population Ecology).

Data requirements: The program can be used with varying levels of data. The data requirements depend on the ecology of the species and on the specific question(s) being asked.  More complex life histories and more complex and specific questions require more data.

Cost: $150 or more depending on the program, license type, and institution.

Strengths and weaknesses, when to use and interpret with caution: Strengths of this tool include scientific credibility (based on many publications, and hundreds of applications) and transparency (a detailed algorithm describes exactly what the program does). 

The tool is remarkably flexible in representing a wide variety of life histories, including plants, invertebrates, and vertebrates (see case studies below).  In addition, it is relatively easy to use (and is used in undergraduate classes); it includes an intuitive user interface, extensive help files, a detailed manual with tutorials.

The weaknesses include the need for reliable, species-specific data and expertise (see above).  As with any assessment tool, the GIGO principle applies: garbage in, garbage out. 

Case study: Over 400 case studies, involving plant, invertebrate, fish, amphibian, reptile, bird, and mammal species, are listed at:
http://www.ramas.com/publications
 

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___________________________________________________________________________
Contributor(s): Resit Akcakaya
Affiliation: Stony Brook University
Email: Resit.Akcakaya@stonybrook.edu
Date: 23 March 2017