Exploring Strategies for Improving the Cost Effectiveness of Endangered Species Management: The Kirtland's Warbler as a Case Study

This paper examines strategies for cost-effective management of an endangered species: the Kirtland's Warbler. Population distributions as a function of rotation length are generated using a stochastic simulation model, and these distributions are used to find the rotation age that attains a management objective. Management cost is calculated as the opportunity cost of harvesting. Regression analysis is used to assess potential reductions in opportunity cost from changing fundamental parameters driving warbler population dynamics. It is found that the desirable combination of management tools may depend on the safety margin selected.