Evolutionary rescue via niche construction: Infrequent construction can prevent post-invasion extinction.

A population experiencing habitat loss can avoid extinction by undergoing genetic adaptation-a process known as evolutionary rescue. Here we analytically approximate the probability of evolutionary rescue via a niche-constructing mutation that allows carriers to convert a novel, unfavorable reproductive habitat to a favorable state at a cost to their fecundity. We analyze competition between mutants and non-niche-constructing wild types, who ultimately require the constructed habitats to reproduce.