A global review of animal translocation programs

Resende, PS; Viana–Junior, AB; Young, RJ; de Azevedo, CS

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.

Citation

Resende, P., Viana–Junior, A., Young, R., & de Azevedo, C. (2020). A global review of animal translocation programs. Animal Biodiversity and Conservation, 43(2), 221-232. https://doi.org/10.32800/abc.2020.43.0221

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: May 10, 2020
• Online Publication Date: May 26, 2020
• Publication Date: May 26, 2020
• Deposit Date: Jun 5, 2020
• Publicly Available Date: Jun 5, 2020
• Journal: Animal Biodiversity and Conservation
• Print ISSN: 1578-665X
• Electronic ISSN: 2014-928X
• Publisher: Museu de Ciències Naturals de Barcelona
• Volume: 43
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 221-232
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.32800/abc.2020.43.0221
• Keywords: Animal Science and Zoology, Nature and Landscape Conservation
• Publisher URL: https://doi.org/10.32800/abc.2020.43.0221
• Related Public URLs: http://abc.museucienciesjournals.cat/?lang=en
• Additional Information: Additional Information : ** From Crossref via Jisc Publications Router **Journal IDs: pissn 1578-665X; eissn 2014-928X **History: issued 27-05-2020; published_online 27-05-2020