Abstract
We performed a bibliometric analysis to investigate the efficiency of release techniques (soft and hard–release), to analyse the characteristics and outcomes of the translocation programs, to identify knowledge gaps, and to provide recommendations. Animal conservation studies involving animal release to the wild increased significantly over the 31 years studied and were more frequently performed with terrestrial mammals than with other taxonomic groups. Most of the studies were performed by researchers from developed countries. Translocations occurred mostly in temperate regions, with almost no translocations occurring in the tropics. Almost 60 % of the studies did not provide information regarding the success or failure of the translocation programs. The most commonly used technique was hard release. Wild–caught specimens were preferred for translocations. Translocation programs were less common for groups like amphibians, fishes, and invertebrates. If criteria for suitable translocation are met, this management tool should also be conducted for tropical threatened species, led by native researchers. Furthermore, criteria for successful translocation should be clearly identified in order to improve future conservation actions.
Highlights
More than 30,000 animal species are threatened with extinction in the world (IUCN, 2019)
The number of articles published on animal release for conservation purposes increased over the 31 years of the analysis period, with a statistically significant increase in the number of published articles (r = 0.88, R2 = 0.87, F1, 19 = 67.58; p < 0.0001)
Our results show that studies on translocations have been performed more frequently with terrestrial mammals than with any other taxonomic group
Summary
More than 30,000 animal species are threatened with extinction in the world (IUCN, 2019). Animal populations are declining around the globe, mainly due to habitat destruction, hunting, urbanization, pollution, diseases, climate change, and competition with invasive species (Pimm et al, 2014; IUCN, 2019). To avoid local animal extinctions, conservationists are applying strategies that can be very useful in specific scenarios, such as animal translocations. The scientific literature shows that besides a bias towards publishing successful projects and towards popular organisms (Bonnet et al, 2002; Díaz et al, 2018), there is a geographical bias towards temperate regions (Lawler et al, 2006; Di Marco et al, 2017). To help direct future studies, a bibliometric analysis of the translocation literature is needed in order to develop better guidance for managers and conservationists and to identify knowledge gaps (Goulart et al, 2009)
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