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Population and Habitat Viability Assessments (PHVA)

Trying to save all the world's biodiversity at once is impossible. A more realistic approach is to focus on a single threatened species and its corresponding habitat. Population and Habitat Viability Assessments bring together biologists and other professionals with relevant expertise to assess extinction risks, and develop management strategies for particular endangered species. PHVAs teach range-country managers, biologists and decision makers about practical applications of conservation biology effective in improving management of species and habitats at risk. The assessment of each species involves analysis of all data on life history, dynamics, and ecology of individual populations. While addressing species and habitat problems, information and technology transfer is also provided that will improve the capabilities of managers and assist in decision and policy-making based on scientific data. Courses are held in range countries, and decisions are made by that country's wildlife officials.