Effectiveness of supplemental stockings for the endangered Key Largo woodrat

We evaluated the effectiveness of supplemental stockings being proposed in the recovery of the federally endangered Key Largo woodrat (KLWR, Neotoma floridana smalli) using a stage-based, stochastic model. Supplemental stockings were evaluated with a population model using current trapping and telemetry data along with published and unpublished KLWR data. Model simulations predicted the KLWR had >70% probability of terminal extinction over the next 10 years even with the use of supplemental annual stockings. Supplemental stockings of KLWRs (⩽20 females) appear to delay the extinction of the species, but negative population trajectories accelerated after stockings cease. Model results illustrated the importance of determining limiting factors on the population prior to the use of supplemental stockings as a recovery option for this endangered woodrat population.