A forecast says what will happen. It is best to regard these analyses as projections, because we know that populations can't grow at a geometric rate forever. They are tools for assessing the current condition of the population and for identifying critical stages. Large statistical uncertainties associated with estimates of leading eigenvalue. Elasticities vs. sensitivities vs. management possibilities Elasticities provide a sense of proportional effect.
Sensitivities provide a sense of numerical effect.
What we really need is a measure of effect over the range of possible management options. Frequent focus on leading eigenvalue may be misplaced. Single isolated populations Still, these analyses are useful. Only under very special conditions can a species be viable long-term unless at least one of its constituent populations is also viable. Help identify focus for management efforts.