Post-release Data Research Articles

Factors influencing the adaptability and habitat use of rescued Malayan sun bears (

Context The lack of documentation and detailed assessment of previous sun bear (Helarctos malayanus) release programs raises concerns about bears’ capacity to adapt to their new habitats and key elements of release success. Aims We evaluated the influence of the sun bears’ individual profiles and environmental factors on their adaptability, and investigated their habitat use and movements in the wild. Methods We released 13 rescued sun bears (four wild-caught and nine rehabilitated) to natural habitats between December 2015 and August 2017, and inferred adaptability process by analysing their pre- and post-release data. Key results Post-release monitoring showed that sun bears required at least a month to acclimatise to their release area. No nuisance cases were reported, and bears were observed avoiding monitoring teams in a series of encounters. Principal-component analysis identified a previous history of ill health (e.g. malnutrition), low avoidance of humans prior to release and low potential of release sites as significant factors associated with poor adaptability of released bears. Rehabilitated bears also showed lower adaptability to hilly topography with an average elevation of more than 500 m. Individual profiles of adult physically fit wild-caught bears with high avoidance of humans prior to release were associated with high adaptability. Binary logistic regression indicated that habitat type was the main factor influencing bear movement. Bears had a high affinity for oil palm plantations adjacent to the forest edge. Most habitat use of released bears was close to the forest edge. Conclusions In terms of competition, predation, food availability, and adaptability, the selection of forest edges adjacent to other favourable habitats is perceived as a more opportunistic survival strategy, as long as the bears do not rely on humans to survive and endure with the natural interactions in the wild. Implications This study emphasises the importance of improving the likelihood of survival of rehabilitated bears, especially in the early release phase. Reducing human–bear interaction in rehabilitation centres by practising a buddy system and minimal human contact in captivity considerably enhances release effectiveness.

Testing MaxEnt model performance in a novel geographic region using an intentionally introduced insect

Species distribution models (SDM's), such as the popular MaxEnt software, are frequently used to guide conservation programmes, predict the potential distribution of invasive species, forecast the impacts of climate change and develop applied ecological research (e.g., biological control). Many applications of these models require that SDM's be transferred in either space and/or time. However, few studies to date have tested the transferability, and thus usefulness, of MaxEnt models using fully independent data. Moreover, numerous authors have raised concerns over how model complexity (controlled primarily by feature class and regularisation multiplier settings) may affect MaxEnt model transferability. In this paper, we evaluated the usefulness of MaxEnt models when transferred in space using the native Australian insect Dasineura rubiformis Kolesik (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) which has been intentionally introduced as a biological control agent of the invasive plant Acacia mearnsii De Wild (Fabaceae) in South Africa. MaxEnt's models were developed using native-range records only (Australia) and projected over South Africa to identify the potential climatic suitability for the insect, using a range of model parameter configurations. Model transferability was assessed using independent post-release data from South Africa. Our results demonstrated that MaxEnt scores were positively correlated with increased probabilities of recording D. rubiformis at field sites in South Africa. However, the accuracy of the MaxEnt models and their climatic suitability projections depended on the parameter configurations (i.e. features classes and regularisation multipliers) used to calibrate the models. Taken together, MaxEnt models can be useful in predicting where a species may establish, even when projected into a novel geographic area, but users need to be aware of how model parameter configurations and model extrapolation can influence model outputs and uncertainty. We demonstrate how statistical validation of the D. rubiformis MaxEnt models can be used to develop an environmental management programme towards improving the biological control of A. mearnsii using D. rubiformis by selecting optimal release sites.

Criminal Recidivism in Inmates with Mental Illness and Substance Use Disorders.

The relative contributions of mental illness and substance use disorders to criminal recidivism have important clinical and policy implications. This study reviewed 36 months of postrelease data for nearly 10,000 New Jersey state inmates released in 2013 to ascertain the rearrest rate of those diagnosed with mental illness, substance use disorders, both, or neither. We also examined whether certain characteristics suggestive of higher risk of psychiatric decompensation were associated with higher rates of rearrest. Released inmates who were diagnosed with a substance use disorder (without a mental illness) while incarcerated had the highest rate of rearrest upon release, followed by inmates diagnosed with both mental illness and substance use disorder together, inmates with neither a substance use disorder nor a mental illness, and lastly by inmates diagnosed with mental illness alone. These differences were statistically significant only between inmates with substance use disorders and those without a substance use disorder. Among those with a diagnosed mental disorder, there were no statistically significant differences in recidivism based on diagnosis or based on prescription of antipsychotic medication, injectable antipsychotic medication, or involuntary antipsychotic medication. These results support correctional institutions assertively addressing substance use disorders, especially for individuals returning to the community.

Implanted Radio Telemetry in Orangutan Reintroduction and Post-release Monitoring and its Application in Other Ape Species.

Designed as a new method to facilitate the reintroduction and post-release monitoring of orangutans and other apes, implanted radio-telemetry (IRT) was developed and first deployed in 2009. Since that time, it has been necessary to collate and review information on its uptake and general efficacy to inform its ongoing development and that of other emerging tracking technologies. We present here technical specifications and the surgical procedure used to implant miniaturized radio transmitters, as well as a formal testing procedure for measuring detectable transmission distances of implanted devices. Feedback from IRT practitioners (veterinarians and field managers) was gathered through questionnaires and is also presented. To date, IRT has been used in at least 250 individual animals (mainly orangutans) from four species of ape in both Asia and Africa. Median surgical and wound healing times were 30 min and 15 days, respectively, with implants needing to be removed on at least 36 separate occasions. Confirmed failures within the first year of operation were 18.1%, while longer distances were reported from positions of higher elevation relative to the focal animal. IRT has been a transformational technology in facilitating the relocation of apes after their release, resulting in much larger amounts of post-release data collection than ever before. It is crucial however, that implant casings are strengthened to prevent the requirement for recapture and removal surgeries, especially for gradually adapting apes. As with all emerging technological solutions, IRT carries with it inherent risk, especially so due to the requirement for subcutaneous implantation. These risks must, however, be balanced with the realities of releasing an animal with no means of relocation, as has historically been, and is still, the case with orangutans and gorillas.

Is Desistance Invariant Across Time and Geography? Examining Desistance in Released Prisoners from 30 States over 9 Years

Most criminal career research must use data with inherent limitations. Two common areas of data-imposed limitations for recidivism and desistance researchers are short observation lengths (i.e., follow-up periods) and jurisdiction-specific criminal histories. To help researchers understand the effect of data-imposed limitations, this study explores and compares the criminal career patterns observed (1) with varying follow-up periods and (2) using individuals’ jurisdictionally limited vs. national criminal history records. This study uses criminal history data to track a sample of about 70,000 prisoners selected to represent the more than 400,000 prisoners released in 2005 from 30 states from their first arrest to 9 years after their release. Using a multivariate analysis, this study measures desistance as the cessation of arrest activity after release from prison in 2005. First, the study examines if the correlates of desistance after release from prison are consistent across 3-, 6-, and 9-year follow-up periods. Second, the study examines if the correlates of desistance are consistent when post-release data only describe arrests that occurred in the state of release from prison compared to arrests occurring within and outside the state of release (i.e., nationwide). Given their unique offending patterns and pathways to crime, separate models are presented for males and females. Those who are falsely labeled as desisters in the shorter follow-up periods or when using just in-state arrest records differ from those labeled as desisters in the more complete criminal histories. This study has implications for developmental and life-course theories that rely on empirical support from limited recidivism follow-up periods and jurisdiction-specific criminal histories. By understanding the effects of data-imposed limitations of follow-up periods and geographical coverage on criminal career research, the validity of criminological theories of desistance across the life course and across place can be better measured and understood.

The Concept of Reducing Recidivism via College-in-Prison: Thoughts on Data Collection, Methodology, and the Question of Purpose

Conversations about reducing recidivism can be reductionist. This paper introduces strategies by which college-in-prison programs can collect post-release data on their students, as well as the research methods necessary to make predictive claims about the impact of such work. The question is raised: is reducing recidivism the purpose of college-in-prison? Following some speculation about the prevalence of this narrative, the paper concludes with some thoughts about alternative justifications for college-in-prison.

Combining data-derived priors with postrelease monitoring data to predict persistence of reintroduced populations.

Monitoring is an essential part of reintroduction programs, but many years of data may be needed to obtain reliable population projections. This duration can potentially be reduced by incorporating prior information on expected vital rates (survival and fecundity) when making inferences from monitoring data. The prior distributions for these parameters can be derived from data for previous reintroductions, but it is important to account for site‐to‐site variation. We evaluated whether such informative priors improved our ability to estimate the finite rate of increase (λ) of the North Island robin (Petroica longipes) population reintroduced to Tawharanui Regional Park, New Zealand. We assessed how precision improved with each year of postrelease data added, comparing models that used informative or uninformative priors. The population grew from about 22 to 80 individuals from 2007 to 2016, with λ estimated to be 1.23 if density dependence was included in the model and 1.13 otherwise. Under either model, 7 years of data were required before the lower 95% credible limit for λ was > 1, giving confidence that the population would persist. The informative priors did not reduce this requirement. Data‐derived priors are useful before reintroduction because they allow λ to be estimated in advance. However, in the case examined here, the value of the priors was overwhelmed once site‐specific monitoring data became available. The Bayesian method presented is logical for reintroduced populations. It allows prior information (used to inform prerelease decisions) to be integrated with postrelease monitoring. This makes full use of the data for ongoing management decisions. However, if the priors properly account for site‐to‐site variation, they may have little predictive value compared with the site‐specific data. This value will depend on the degree of site‐to‐site variation as well as the quality of the data.

Risk assessment of non-target effects of Closterocerus chamaeleon (Girault) parasitoid of the eucalypt gall maker Ophelimus maskelli (Ashmead) (Hymenoptera, Eulophidae)

The pre-release risk assessment, a recommended practice in biological control programmes, was carried out before introducing Closterocerus chamaeleon (Girault), a eulophid parasitoid of the eucalypt gall maker Ophelimus maskelli (Ashmead) (Hymenoptera, Eulophidae), in Sicily, Italy. We evaluated its host specificity in laboratory small arena no-choice tests on six non-target hosts, using O. maskelli as a control species. The non-target species fit with at least one of the following criteria: a) common geographical origin; b) ecological or behavioural affinities with the target host; c) concealed habit of the preimaginal stages; d) taxonomic affinity; e) taxonomic affinity with hosts of congeneric parasitoids of the candidate agent; and f) presence in Italy/Sicily. Closterocerus chamaeleon performed an oviposition sequence of 10 recognisable behaviours, always leading to parasitization when exposed to O. maskelli. The same behaviour sequence was carried out on the gall maker Leptocybe invasa Fisher et La Salle, the only non-target species living on Eucalyptus, but just until Step 6, i.e. until ovipositor extraction and insertion, and never until egg-laying. All of the other non-target hosts were ignored. Furthermore, the adult parasitoid longevity was assessed in three rearing conditions: 1) no food/no parasitisation permitted; 2) food/no parasitisation permitted; and 3) food provided after parasitisation. Adult wasp longevity was significantly higher in treatment 2 (21.1 days ± 4.1 SE) than in treatment 1 (3.6 days ± 0.5 SE) or 3 (3.8 days ± 0.6 SE). Laboratory tests carried out in this study on C. chamaeleon indicated high host selection ability, later confirmed by our post-release field data.

Effectiveness of the rehabilitation for addicted prisoners trust (RAPt) programme

The Rehabilitation for Addicted Prisoners Trust (RAPt) Programme, the largest provider of intensive prison-based drug treatment in the UK, addresses both substance dependence and criminal behaviour through a comprehensive model. This study examined recidivism in a group of male prisoners who completed the RAPt programme (n = 352), a group of male prisoners who did not complete (n = 355) the programme, and a third comparison group of male prisoners who completed another in-prison drug treatment programme (n = 232). 12-month post-release recidivism data for the three groups were assessed with multivariate logistic regression in relation to age, race/ethnicity, length of sentence, prisoners’ drugs of choice, and prisoners’ primary offence for imprisonment. Results indicated that RAPt completers were less likely to re-offend within one year of prison release compared to the Comparison completers and prisoners who started but did not complete RAPt. Prisoners’ drugs of choice were also associated with re-offence with those treated for heroin or cocaine (crack or powder) use being more likely to re-offend compared with those treated for use of any other drugs. Finally, the type of offence for which prisoners were convicted was also a prominent factor with those sentenced for a property offence more likely to reoffend within one year compared to those convicted of a non-property offence. These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of the RAPt programme and identify prisoners with heroin or cocaine dependence at highest risk for recidivism. Programme enhancements may address the additional risk among prisoners who identified heroin or cocaine use as their primary drug of choice.

Host Density Drives Spatial Variation in Parasitism of the Alfalfa Weevil,Hypera postica, Across Dryland and Irrigated Alfalfa Cropping Systems

Classical biological control against the alfalfa weevil, Hypera postica (Gyllenhal), a destructive pest of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), has resulted in the establishment of nine parasitoid species in the United States. Despite widespread redistribution of a number of species, there remains little postrelease data on their establishment and potential effectiveness in many regions. I surveyed parasitoids associated with alfalfa weevil larvae across 30 or more sites in eastern Montana and western North Dakota over 2 yr. Replicate sites were sampled in two habitat types that differ in their physical characteristics, flood-irrigated and dryland alfalfa fields. Irrigated systems are more productive but also more intensively disturbed habitats because of increased harvest frequency and repeated flooding. Given evidence that both habitat disturbance and herbivore density, which often increases with productivity, can influence parasitoid dynamics, I predicted that parasitism levels, the relative importance of different species, or both, would differ across these two system types. Of four larval parasitoid species released previously or recovered in the region, two were found in this study, Bathyplectes curculionis (Thomson) and Oomyzus incertus (Ratzenberg), with average levels of parasitism across habitat types and years of 37.2 and 3.5%, respectively. Parasitism levels differed between habitat types, but the effect was driven by concomitant differences in host densities that were higher in irrigated than dryland fields. Parasitoid responses to host density varied across years and species. B. curculionis exhibited positive density dependence in parasitism across sites in 2009 and negative density dependence in 2010 when host densities were higher regionally. In contrast, O. incertus exhibited positive density dependence in 2010. Our results suggest that these species may be differentially effective at different host densities. Thus, variation in host density could represent an important axis along which parasitoids exhibit spatial complementarity in function.

Active Supervision and Its Impact Upon Parolee Recidivism Rates

Studies that compare recidivism rates between parolees and unconditionally released inmates typically attach these statuses upon release, and then follow these groups until they either fail or meet the censor date. However, this method of identifying former inmates as parolees does not comport with how parolees are conceptualized by the agencies that supervise them. Parole boards identify parolees as released inmates whom they actively supervise. This study explores the relative impact of this strategy of attaching the parole status compared with the traditional strategy used throughout the recidivism literature. I use 3 years of postrelease data from all prisoners released from 2005 to 2007 in a highly populated state on the East Coast ( N = 29,299). My findings indicate that after 3 years, parolees are predicted to recidivate at a 1% lower rate compared with unconditionally released inmates when the time of active supervision is not considered. However, parolees who are assigned supervision terms of at least 3 years evidence a predicted 8% lower recidivism rate when compared with unconditionally released inmates. These findings demonstrate that parole boards can be successful at isolating those under their active supervision from reengaging in criminal activities when compared with those who are not supervised post-release, but that parole does not have long-lasting rehabilitative effects. This lack of long-term impact is likely associated with a parole board’s focus on offenses that occur solely during the course of active supervision that may create incentive to manage cases in such a way that undermines the pursuit of long-term rehabilitative goals in favor of working toward short-term successful discharges.

An Integrated Approach for Predicting Fates of Reintroductions with Demographic Data from Multiple Populations

We devised a novel approach to model reintroduced populations whereby demographic data collected from multiple sites are integrated into a Bayesian hierarchical model. Integrating data from multiple reintroductions allows more precise population-growth projections to be made, especially for populations for which data are sparse, and allows projections that account for random site-to-site variation to be made before new reintroductions are attempted. We used data from reintroductions of the North Island Robin (Petroica longipes), an endemic New Zealand passerine, to 10 sites where non-native mammalian predators are controlled. A comparison of candidate models that we based on deviance information criterion showed that rat-tracking rate (an index of rat density) was a useful predictor of robin fecundity and adult female survival, that landscape connectivity and a binary measure of whether sites were on a peninsula were useful predictors of apparent juvenile survival (probably due to differential dispersal away from reintroduction sites), and that there was unexplained random variation among sites in all demographic rates. We used the two best supported models to estimate the finite rate of increase (λ) for populations at each of the 10 sites, and for a proposed reintroduction site, under different levels of rat control. Only three of the reintroduction sites had λ distributions completely >1 for either model. At two sites, λ was expected to be >1 if rat-tracking rates were <5%. At the other five reintroduction sites, λ was predicted to be close to 1, and it was unclear whether growth was expected. Predictions of λ for the proposed reintroduction site were less precise than for other sites because distributions incorporated the full range of site-to-site random variation in vital rates. Our methods can be applied to any species for which postrelease data on demographic rates are available and potentially can be extended to model multiple species simultaneously.

Study of Post–release Data in the North American River Otter (Lutra canadensis)

A retrospective study conducted on post–release data of 17 hand–reared North American river otters (Lutra canadensis) over a 14–year period substantiates the effectiveness of the soft release method for this species. Records show that 100 percent of released otters returned to utilize a feeding station at the release site. These return visits ranged from a period of three weeks up to eight months post–release. Twenty–eight percent of these animals returned to the hack station after having sustained injuries. A hack station refers to a site from which an animal is released and is accustomed to receiving food. More than half of the injured animals readmitted required and received medical treatment and were released. The data reveals that river otters respond favorably to this type of release and provides convincing results for long–term success. The results validate this method, as well as demonstrate that slow release played a role in the increased survival rate of the study group. Since the method provides otter pups with backup food and care while they are experiencing life in the wild, it allows them to make and learn from mistakes, which might otherwise prove to be fatal.

Behavioral Adaptation of Pan troglodytes troglodytes

As wild primate populations decline, numbers of orphaned primates, sanctuaries, and attempts to release primates back to the natural environment increase. Release projects frequently are poorly documented despite IUCN guidelines recommending post-release monitoring and systematic data collection as central to the process. Since 1996, Habitat Ecologique et Liberte des Primates (HELP) has been releasing wild-born orphaned chimpanzees into natural habitat in the Conkouati-Douli National Park, Republic of Congo. HELP developed a post-release monitoring system as an integral component. We present activity budgets and diet of released chimpanzees, and compared them to those of wild chimpanzee, as primary indicators of successful release. Feeding, moving, and resting dominated activity budgets, reflecting the overall patterns in wild populations. Diet was diverse and dominated by fruit, and the released chimpanzees showed specialization on a smaller number of species, as in many wild communities. The high survival rates of the chimpanzees and overall success of the release program are attributed to careful planning and post-release support facilitated via the monitoring process. Systematic post-release data collection monitoring has confirmed that wild-born chimpanzees can adjust behaviorally and nutritionally to the wild. Survival statistics of the reintroduced chimpanzees—confirmed 56%, possible 88%— reflect the behavioral adaptability.

Matching Drug Treatment to Those in Need: An Analysis of Correctional Service Delivery in Illinois and Ohio

An ever-increasing number of prisoners need substance abuse treatment, yet state and federal governments continue to cut funding for prison programs. Given this increased need coupled with reduced service availability, two crucial questions arise: (1) Are limited drug treatment resources being targeted to those with the greatest need? and, (2) Is the most being made of these scarce resources by providing continuity of care? Through an analysis of pre- and post-release data collected from 576 prisoners in Illinois and Ohio, this study examines the degree to which prisoners with self-reported drug problems receive in-prison substance abuse treatment services, and then receive post-release treatment. The study also identifies several individual-level predictors of successful treatment matching and continuity. Although the study finds some evidence of treatment matching, its extent is far less than desirable, and there is minimal continuity of treatment from prison to the community. Collectively, the results suggest that differences in offender motivation and readiness for treatment as well as deficiencies in correctional service delivery play a major role in the success of treatment matching. Suggestions are offered for improvements in correctional policy and practice and for future research on these topics.

Deriving a Fault Architecture to Guide Testing

Defect analysis of software components can be used to guide testing, with the goal of focusing on parts of the software that were fault-prone in earlier releases or earlier life cycle phases, such as development. We replicate a study that adapted a reverse architecting technique using defect reports to derive fault architectures. A fault architecture determines and visualizes components that are fault-prone in their relationships with other components, as well as those that are locally fault-prone. Our case study uses defect data from three releases of a large medical record system to identify relationships among system components, based on whether they are involved in the same defect report. We investigate measures that assess the fault-proneness of components and component relationships. Component relationships are used to derive a fault architecture. The resulting fault architecture indicates what the most fault-prone relationships are in a release. We also apply the technique in a new way. Not only do we derive fault architectures for each release, we derive fault architectures for the development, system test and post release phases within each release. Comparing across releases, makes it possible to see whether some components are repeatedly in fault-prone relationships. Comparing across phases, makes it possible to see whether development fault architectures can be used to identify those parts of the software that need to be tested more. We validate our predictions using system test data from the same release. We also use the development and system test fault architectures to identify fault-prone components after release, and validate our predictions using post release data.

Survival and Adaptation of a Released Group of Confiscated Capuchin Monkeys

AbstractOne commonly used method of managing confiscated wild primates in Latin American countries is to release rehabilitated individuals back to their natural habitats. However, little information has been collected from confiscated animal releases, so no clear guidelines have been developed to measure the success of this type of procedure. In most countries, the collection of critical post-release data is too costly and time-consuming for it to be incorporated into the routine procedures of institutions managing confiscated fauna. Therefore, this project was carried out in conditions similar to those of other Colombian and Latin American rehabilitation centres. A group of eight confiscated and rehabilitated brown capuchin monkeys(Cebus apella)was released in Los Llanos Orientales in Colombia, and monitored for 6.5 months to determine their adaptation and survival after release. Results were analysed according to how the animals adapted to their new environment in terms of foraging, feeding, locomotion, sleeping, social interactions between the group and with other animals and species, prédation, orientation, and establishment of a territory. The results show that the short-term adaptation and survival of the group 6.5 months after release was successful. Five of the eight animals remained together, two separated, and only one was lost during the first month. Implications for animal well-being are discussed.

Use of biological monitoring in the assessment of effects of mining wastes on aquatic ecosystems of the alligator rivers region, tropical Northern Australia

The primary objective of the biological monitoring program of the ARRRI is to develop techniques and procedures to monitor and assess effects of the mining and processing of ores on aquatic ecosystems of the Region. Studies have been made in a seasonal tributary (Magela Creek) of the East Alligator River near the Ranger Uranium Mine, and in the upper South Alligator River (SAR) near the Coronation Hill gold, platinum and palladium prospect. Ranger and Coronation Hill are enclosed by Kakadu National Park, environmental safeguards for which require the minimization of impairment of water quality in the aquatic ecosystems. Present studies on Magela Creek are designed to verify the adequacy of release standards, based on biological tests, in protecting the aquatic environment during and after releases of waste-water from Ranger during the Wet season. Detection of short-term effects will be sought by either creekside orin situ monitoring methods. The detection and assessment of any longer-term impacts, however, will rely chiefly on comparisons of post-release data with those of historical baselines. Such baseline information is provided by studies on the structure of macroinvertebrate and fish communities and/or on concentrations of elements in organisms in those communities, in Magela Creek and SAR catchments.

Homing of Transplanted Alaskan Brown Bears

Homing of Transplanted Alaskan Brown Bears

Stamina and Survival of Coho Salmon Reared in Rectangular Circulating Ponds and Conventional Raceways

Abstract Stamina measurements and post-release survival data were collected from marked 1969, 1970, and 1971 brood coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kitsutch) reared in rectangular circulating ponds and simulated raceways at Nehalem Hatchery, Oregon. Stamina was not a reliable index of survival potential, and the use of rectangular circulating ponds did not produce coho salmon yearlings with higher survival potential than those reared in raceways.