There are many reasons that may cause a species to be at risk. Biologists and planners must know what factors are limiting the distribution and abundance of a given species. In development of Habitat Conservation Plans biologists and planners need to assess these limiting factors and development means to adequately eliminate or mitigate their effects. A Primer of Conservation Biology.
Small populations are especially vulnerable to extinction.
Both naturally small populations and species that have declined to low levels are subject to an array of additional factors that can result in extinction. Center scientists are conducting research to better understand how such factors may be influencing declining species and subsequently what can be done to mitigate such impacts.