A framework for assessing readiness for tiger Panthera tigris reintroduction: a case study from eastern Cambodia

Abstract

Reintroduction is a viable conservation strategy for large carnivores however such reintroductions require robust feasibility assessments, considering ecological, management, and social factors, prior to implementation. Plans are being developed in a number of tiger range countries, including Cambodia, for tiger Panthera tigris reintroductions in response to local and national extinctions. We provide a framework for undertaking feasibility assessments for tiger, and other large carnivore, reintroductions and present a number of methodological tools, and appropriate indicators, for conducting such assessments. We apply the framework to plans by the Royal Government of Cambodia for tiger reintroduction into Srepok Wildlife Sanctuary (formally Mondulkiri Protected Forest), eastern Cambodia. Srepok Wildlife Sanctuary forms part of a large (>13,000-km2) trans-boundary conservation landscape with potential to support a tiger source population. Current ungulate prey densities, assessed through robust line-transect sampling, at approximately 5.0 individuals per km2 may be sufficient to support a breeding tiger population. However levels of protected area management and law enforcement fall below global standards for tiger recovery. Local communities, though supportive of conservation efforts, also identified a number of concerns regarding reintroduction. Therefore current ecological, social, and management conditions within SWS are not currently suitable for tiger reintroduction. However with improved and more effective law enforcement, combined with robust monitoring of the indicators within our framework, such conditions could be met. We recommend that our framework for assessing landscape suitability for reintroductions offers an effective road map for reintroduction-based recovery of tiger populations across tiger range countries.