Small populations on small islands: What chance does an orchid have?

Abstract

1). Populationswould be extremely vulnerable to reduction if small plants dominated, yet evenwith an abundance of large plants, substantial reductions in population density are possible. Medium and larger plants contribute more to the persistence of the population, yet the survival and growth of small individuals might have greater effects on l if retrogression is observed. To attain population stability, effective recruitment rates must increase dramatically. Conclusions. Populations of perennial plants on small islands can fluctuate substantially, suggesting a degree of vulnerability. While B. cucullata shows a general trajectory of decline, there are some signs of stability despite deforestation and herbivore activity. The outlook is precarious for the Saba population given the predominance of younger plants, and all three populations could decline if spasmodic recruitment fails to occur, which may happen if disturbance regimes change and the ongoing warming and drying trends persist.