Development and implementation of a recovery program for the federally threatened Lakeside daisy (Hymenoxys acaulis var. glabra)

The successful reintroduction of rare plants to the wild will depend upon knowledge of a species' life history and habitat requirements, the consideration of key genetic, demographic and ecological traits that affect vulnerability to stochastic extinction processes (Lande 1988, Menges 1991), and the identification of suitable restoration sites. Unfortunately for many rare plants, much of this information is lacking when recovery plans are written. As a result, the plans are often standardized, and the recommended research and management actions are too broad or are unrelated to immediate population survival (Cook & Dixon 1986).