Guidelines for re-introductions: procedures and problems

Abstract

Abstract Re-introductions involve a series of procedures, each of which is complex and problematic, in terms of planning and execution: capture, transport, captive breeding, training for release, site selection and preparation, transport, release, subsequent monitoring. Problems centre on stress, disease risks, site suitability and costs, as well as on acquiring the appropriate expertise and local political support, on fully clarifying the reasons for the,re-introduction and on the thorough follow¬ through of observations after the r lease. These procedures and problems are described and discussed in relation to two main sources of animals-those rescued from doomed habitat and shipped overseas for captive breeding, and those moved directly into protected habitat (translocation). While the former course of action is better developed, the latter offers considerable advantages in terms of much lower costs, greater technical ease and fewer difficulties of local politics. Both approaches merit pursuing vigorously to achieve their very real potentials in the management and conservation of rapidly diminishing wildlife stocks, so long as they contribute to the prime need of protecting habitat.