Abstract

Translocations are globally a popular tool used with the intention of improving threatened species conservation and re-establishing ecosystem function. While practitioners strive for successful outcomes the failure rate of translocations continues to be high. We demonstrate how predictive modelling can contribute to more informed decision making and hence potentially improve the success rate of translocation programs. Two species, the Djoongari (Shark Bay mouse) Pseudomys fieldi and the golden bandicoot Isoodon auratus barrowensis, were introduced independently to Doole Island in the Exmouth Gulf of Western Australia. We used population viability analysis to critique the outcomes of these translocations and provide an example of how this tool can be incorporated with expert knowledge to predict likely outcomes of translocations. Djoongari did not establish on the island after seven translocations over nine years, while golden bandicoots established a population after just one release event. Retrospective population viability analysis (of data that was unavailable prior to the translocations) predicted and clarified the reasons behind the outcomes of both translocations. Golden bandicoots have considerably higher demographic plasticity than Djoongari, which were never likely to establish on the island. We conclude that the failure of the Djoongari translocation was due to interactions between sparse habitat, native predators and cyclonic storm surges, whereas golden bandicoots have demonstrated habitat flexibility and an ability to recover from multiple natural disasters. As a result we (1) remind conservation planners of the importance of quantifying likely refuges and habitat availability at release sites, (2) suggest practitioners consider how different threats (including natural disasters) may interact at potential release sites and (3) advocate for the incorporation of predictive modelling during the planning stages of translocations, particularly for conservation introductions where no precedent exists for the species’ survival at a particular location.

Highlights

  • Translocations are a common management tool used within the field of conservation worldwide [1]

  • The translocation of Djoongari to Doole Island was unsuccessful: this conclusion has been drawn from the failure of the population to meet criteria for success during the project period

  • This was the outcome predicted by the retrospective Population viability analysis (PVA), there is some discrepancy between the predicted causes of failure and the actual events that occurred

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Summary

Introduction

Translocations are a common management tool used within the field of conservation worldwide [1]. Fauna are moved to improve a species’ conservation status or restore their ecological. Predictive modelling and translocation planning personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper. Translocations can be an excellent tool for improving the likelihood of a species’ persistence into the future. In numerous cases, such as that of the Californian condor (Gymnogyps californianus) and Przewalski’s horse (Equus ferus), translocations have been a key measure in preventing species extinction [4, 5]

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