Re-introduction NEWS No. 20 August 2001
Re-introduction NEWS No. 20 August 2001
Re-introduction NEWS No. 20 August 2001
Letter from the Chairman, IUCN/SSC Re- and activities In the past few months introduction Specialist Group, such as the Planning Protocol for Viable Environmental Research & Wildlife Reintroduction, an RSG email list- Development Agency, UAE server, Guidelines for Non-human DR. FREDERIC J. LAUNAY Primate Reintroduction as well as the finalisation of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the The second issue of Re-introduction African Elephant Specialist Group and news, in the new quadrennium, provides RSG to draft re-introduction guidelines a summary of the activities the RSG for African elephants. We are also members have been involved in during working on developing a fund-raising the last triennium. You will see from strategy for the overall group, in order their reports that our different sections for us to be able to gain independence were very active in addressing re-introduction from our host organisation (actual and future) issues worldwide and taxa wide. All of the and be able to embark on more ambitious volunteers that makes RSG unique are to be programmes and projects. congratulated for their efforts in promoting viable re-introduction practices. The newsletter also gives you updates on several on-going projects from primate rehabilitation Since the beginning of the year, we have been busy programmes in Africa, beavers in Denmark, Swift renewing our membership as well as renewing the fox in the USA, Oryx in Saudi Arabia and plants Section Chairs that are so vital for the activities of in Spain. The news of poaching events in Saudi the group. Some sections are still vacant, but most Arabia, even of a limited scale is somewhat of the positions have been filled, and the full list worrying especially after the dramatic events that will be circulated to all members very shortly. Our occurred in Oman recently. It just highlights once membership is now over 300 spread all over the again that re-introduction is an ongoing processes world and addressing nearly all the taxa. This that never really finishes. gives us great strength and allows us to become more involved in a wider range of issues.
The RSG Secretariat also initiated several projects
CONTENTS Page CONTENTS Page LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN ...... 1 Saudi Arabia: summary and update: January 2001 ...... 16 Update of translocation of Thevenard Island mice to 1997-1999 RSG SECTION CHAIRS TRIENNIUM Serrurier Island, Western Australia: success REPORTS ...... 2 and excess ...... 17 Australasian / Marsupial section report ...... 2 Aquatic mammal section report ...... 3 BIRDS ...... 18 Bird section report ...... 4 Re-introduction of the Marquesan imperial-pigeon to Carnivore section report ...... 5 Ua Huka Island, French Polynesia ...... 18 Invertebrate section report ...... 6 Plant section report ...... 7 PLANTS ...... 19 Primate section report ...... 8 Plant micro-reserves: a new model of micro protected Reptile / Amphibian section report ...... 9 Areas, Spain ...... 19 Re-introduction of Lysimachia minoricensis in Minorca, RSG PROJECTS ...... 10 Balearic islands ...... 21 Planning for viable re-introductions ...... 10 Guidelines for non-human primate re-introductions ...... 10 REPTILES ...... 22 African elephant re-introduction Guidelines ...... 10 Turks and Caicos iguana rescue and restoration program, Caribbean ...... 22 MAMMALS ...... 11 Orangutan re-introduction and Protection Workshop, LEGAL ISSUES ...... 22 East Kalimantan, Indonesia ...... 11 Ecological and legal considerations for re-introduction Challenging developments in primate rehabilitation of mammals in Europe, with a UK case study ...... 22 Programs, Africa ...... 12 Re-introduction of beavers in Denmark ...... 13 MISCELLANEOUS ...... 23 Re-introduction of swift fox in the USA: results of the RSG e-mail listserver ...... 23 first two years ...... 15 Book review ...... 24 Arabian oryx re-introduction in ‘Uruq Bani Ma’arid, Publications ...... 24
1 Re-introduction NEWS No. 20 August 2001
1997—1999 RSG Section Chairs Triennium Reports
Australasian / Marsupial Section Report
was invited to serve as newsletter, but items can be These include all papers listed in Australasian Chair of the distributed immediately if rapid Griffith et al.'s database, and many RSG in early 1998. The feedback is required. People wishing others that are not. subsequent three years have to distribute items to Australasian beenI an extremely busy time for re- contacts should email me (D.P. Re-introduction introduction in Australasia. Particularly [email protected]). Items busy areas have been Western should be 200 words or less. related publications Australia, where there has been at least 30 translocations, and in New Website Zealand, where there have been at Armstrong, D.P. & Ewen, J.G. (in least 60 translocations associated press). Dynamics of a New Zealand with a wide range of island and Extensive information on re- robin population reintroduced to mainland restoration programs. This introduction in Australasia is available regenerating fragmented habitat, report covers my activities relating to at: Conservation Biology. the RSG up to the end of 2000. http://www.massey.ac.nz/~DArmstro/ Armstrong, D.P. & Ewen, J.G (in rsg.htm. press). Assessing the value of follow- Contact list up translocations: a case study using Summary information on a wide range New Zealand robins. Biological In March 1998 there were 26 RSG of projects can be obtained at: Conservation. members in Australasia. I have expanded this to a contact list of 110 http://www.massey.ac.nz/~DArmstro/ Armstrong, D.P. & Ewen, J.G. (in people involved in re-introduction. nz_projects.htm (New Zealand), press). Testing for food limitation in Lists of these people, information on reintroduced hihi populations: their expertise, and email links can be http://www.massey.ac.nz/~DArmstro/ contrasting results for two islands, accessed at: au_projects.htm (Australia), and Pacific to Conservation Biology. http://www.massey.ac.nz/~DArmstro/ http://www.massey.ac.nz/~DArmstro/ Armstrong, D.P. & Perrott, J.K. 2000. nz_contacts.htm (New Zealand), rsg_pa.htm (Polynesia). An experiment testing whether condition and survival are limited by http://www.massey.ac.nz/~DArmstro/ I have worked particularly hard on food supply in a translocated hihi au_contacts.htm (Australia), and gathering information for the New population, Conservation Biology 14: Zealand site, and it now includes 1171-1181. http://www.massey.ac.nz/~DArmstro/ summaries of 123 translocation rsg_pa.htm (Polynesia). projects conducted since 1990 Perrott J.K. & Armstrong D.P. 2000. involving 61 species. The site also Vegetation composition and Not all contacts are official members, includes information on contact phenology of Mokoia Island, and saving the costs associated with people (see above), publications (see implications for the reintroduced hihi distributing Re-introduction News. below), procedures and guidelines, population, New Zealand Journal of and links to other relevant websites. Ecology 24: 19-30.
Communication Armstrong, D.P. 2000. Bibliographies network Reintroductions of New Zealand robins: a key component of ecological I have assembled lists of publications restoration, Re-introduction News 19: My primary focus has been to improve on re-introduction from New Zealand 44-47. lines of communication among re- at: introduction practitioners within Armstrong D.P., Castro, I., Alley, J., Australasia, and improve http://www.massey.ac.nz/~DArmstro/ Feenstra, B., & Perrott, J.K. 1999. communication between those nz_publications.htm Mortality and behaviour of hihi, an practitioners and the RSG as a whole. endangered New Zealand I encourage people to provide Australia at: honeyeater, in the establishment summaries and updates on re- phase following translocation, introduction projects, and seek http://www.massey.ac.nz/~DArmstro/ Biological Conservation 89: 329-339 feedback about projects. These are au_projects.htm normally distributed in a bi-annual Armstrong, D.P. 1998. Comments on
2 Re-introduction NEWS No. 20 August 2001
re-introduction by Australasia/ Society of Western Australia, of New Zealand birds re- Marsupial section chair, Re- Perth, May 2000 introduced to islands, Swedish introduction News 15: 14-16. · Population dynamics and viability University of Agricultural Sciences, of New Zealand birds re- Umeå, June 1998 Conference and introduced to islands, Department · Population dynamics and viability of Zoology, University of Western of New Zealand birds re- seminar presentations Australia, Perth, April 2000 introduced to islands, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, on re-introductions · Re-introduction and recovery programs for New Zealand forest Uppsala, June 1998 birds, Western Banders · Population dynamics and viability · Population dynamics or re- Association, Perth, Perth, April of New Zealand birds re- introduced forest birds on islands, 2000 introduced to islands, University of Ecology of Insular Biotas · Population dynamics and viability Stockholm, June 1998 Conference, Wellington, February of New Zealand birds re- · Estimating costs of removals to 2001 introduced to islands, La Trobe populations, New Zealand · Understanding dynamics of re- University, Melbourne, March Behaviour & Ecology Workshop, introduced populations, 2000 Erua, May 1998 Department of Zoology, University · Using mark-recapture analysis to of Otago, September 2000 study dynamics of bird populations Hihi (Stitchbird) · The role of re-introductions in re-introduced to islands, Statistics ecological restoration programs, in Ecology and Environmental Recovery Group Kings Park & Botanic Gardens, Monitoring Conference, Dunedin, Perth, June 2000 December, 1999 I continue to serve as an advisor to this group, in particular providing data Recent research in reintroduction · Tools for understanding dynamics · analysis, development of population of re-introduced populations, biology, Massey University, models, and research initiatives. August 1998 Department of Ecosystem Management, Edith Cowan · Testing for food limitation in Contributed by Doug P. Armstrong, University, Joondalup, May 2000 translocated hihi populations, Australasian/Marsupial Section Chair, · The role of research in re- Society for Conservation Biology Department of Ecology, Massey Conference, Sydney, July 1998 University, Palmerston North, New introduction programmes for Zealand, e-mail: endangered species, Royal · Population dynamics and viability [email protected]
Aquatic Mammal Section Report
ith my affiliation with the medically cleared it is classified into a released with radio tags and U. S. Geological Survey – release category based on the time in monitored. Since that time more than Florida Caribbean captivity, sex, age, proposed release 60 manatees have been radio tagged. Science Center most of site, and season of the year. All released manatees are PIT myW involvement and expertise is Candidates nominated by the (passive integrated transponders) restricted to manatees. Historically, oceanaria and approved by the U.S. tagged and freeze-branded if there has been some success with the Fish and Wildlife Service through the necessary to help facilitate re- release of pinnipeds back into the efforts of the Interagency/Oceanaria identification. wild. Additionally, projects involving Captive Manatee Working Group. This otters and cetaceans have been group is made up of representative Based on data gathered from the greeted with mixed results. Currently, from several federal, state, and local Florida study, captive manatees have the U.S. National Oceanic and governmental agencies, as well as been also successfully released in Atmospheric Administration Fisheries representatives from the captive both Puerto Rico and Brazil. Plans Department and the U.S. Fish and facilities and researchers. In many are underway to release captive Wildlife Service have been involved cases the animals are fitted with radio manatees in Belize, Colombia, with development of marine mammal transmitters prior to release. Efforts Venezuela, Jamaica and other West release guidelines. Draft guidelines have also centered on pre-release Indies islands. have been adopted for several conditioning to help ensure a species. smoother adaptation back to the wild. Contributed by Robert K. Bonde, Aquatic Mammal Section Chair, Sirenia In 1998 a workshop was convened to Since the early 1980’s over 150 Project, US Geological Survey- address the manatee release program manatees have been released from Biological Resources Division, Gainesville, Florida, USA, e-mail: in Florida. Results of that workshop captivity in the U.S. as part of the [email protected] have helped to draft guidelines that requirements mandated by the are currently used today. Once a Endangered Species Act. In 1988 the captive, rehabilitated manatee is first high-risk candidates were
3 Re-introduction NEWS No. 20 August 2001
Bird Section Report
n 22 September 1997 I was Meetings Project advice invited by the then RSG OChair, Dr. Mark Stanley /contacts Price, to serve as the Bird Section During the Triennial period I attended Chair of RSG. I accepted and liaised the following meetings relating to bird with the out-going section chair, Dr restorations: During 1998-2000 I received, Tom Cade, to receive the current commented or advised on, or forwarded to experts within the Bird section membership files and other · International Symposium on the Section, queries and information information. regional strategy and action plan relating to the following bird re- for the conservation of Houbara introduction projects: This report covers my activities for Bustard and Falcons. Lahore, and relating to RSG during the period Pakistan, October 1998. from about October 1997 to · Ostrich re-introduction, Air Tenere · Symposium on the conservation of September 2000. Reserve, Niger Little Bustard. La Crau, France, December 1998. · Scarlet Macaw re-introduction, Re-introduction Costa Rica · 7th World Congress on Breeding Guidelines Endangered Species in Captivity: · Translocation of Seychelles Linking Zoo and Field Research to Magpie Robins, Aride Island, Advance Conservation. Cincinnati, Seychelles During the first part of 1998 I OH, USA, May 1999. · Macaw re-introductions, Brazil coordinated the translation and checking of the Arabic version of the · Little Bustard restoration in Re-introduction Guidelines, with staff Re-introduction southern France of Saudi Arabia's National Whooping Crane re-introduction in Commission for Wildlife Conservation Practitioners · and Development. Eastern United States Directory · Griffon, Black and Egyptian In May 1998 I took receipt of a Vulture re-introduction and number of copies of the printed In early 1999 the RSG jointly with the restocking in Bulgaria guidelines, in six languages, and National Commission for Wildlife · Blue Duck translocation to Egmont between then and late 2000 Conservation and Development, National Park, New Zealand undertook to distribute copies to produced the Re-introduction contacts in the Middle East, North Practitioners Director - 1998. I co- · Captive-breeding of Spix's Macaw Africa, Southern Africa, France, the edited this publication with RSG in Brazil United Kingdom, Pakistan, Iran, and Technical Officer Pritpal Soorae, Australasia. following submissions in 1998 to Re-introduction NCWCD for funding. It is planned to International update this directory in 2001. related publications
Ornithological Special bird issue of Soorae, P. S. & Seddon, P. J. (eds). 2000. Special Bird Issue. Re- Congress Re-introduction News introduction News. NCWCD, Riyadh and ERWDA, Abu Dhabi. 56 pp. Round Table on Bird Re-introductions In early 1999 I received approval for In August 1998 I convened a round funding from NCWCD to produce a Seddon, P. J. 1999. Persistence table discussion on bird re- special bird issue of the RSG without intervention: Assessing introductions that was held in newsletter, Re-introduction News. I success in wildlife re-introductions. nd conjunction with the 22 International contacted a number of potential Trends in Ecology and Evolution 14 Ornithological Congress, Durban, contributors during 1999, aiming to (12): 503. South Africa. A total of 37 congress achieve as wide a taxonomic and delegates contributed to discussions geographic coverage as possible. The Seddon, P. J. 1999. Re-introductions, relating to re-introduction project final compilation brought together 24 introductions, and the importance of assessment, planning and execution. case studies dealing with over 40 post-release monitoring: Lessons from All attendees were added to the RSG species in 11 countries. At 56 pages Zanzibar. Oryx 33(2): 89-97. membership list, and meeting reports the Special Bird Issue is the largest appeared in Re-introduction News, RSG newsletter issue to date. It was Seddon, P. J. & Cade, T. J. 1999. Bird and in the IOC proceedings (see produced to a new format by the new re- introductions, pre- release publications section). host agency for RSG, Abu Dhabi's preparations, releases and post- Environmental Research and Wildlife release monitoring: Improving the Development Agency (ERWDA). rigour of re-introduction project assessment, planning and execution.
4 Re-introduction NEWS No. 20 August 2001
In: Adams, N. J. & Slowtow, R. H. pre-release behaviour. Animal establishing a resident breeding (eds). Proc. 22 Int. Ornithol. Congr., Conservation 2: 155-163. population. Ostrich 69: 239. Durban: 3174-3176. Johannesburg: Birdlife South Africa. Soorae, P. S. & Seddon, P. J. (eds). Seddon, P. J. 1998. Improving the 1999. Re-introduction Practitioners rigour of re-introduction project Seddon, P. J. & Soorae, P. S. 1999. Directory - 1998. IUCN/SSC RSG, assessment, planning and execution: Guidelines for subspecific Nairobi, and NCWCD, Riyadh. 97 pp. report on the round table discussion substitutions in wildlife restoration on bird re-introductions. Re- projects. Conservation Biology 13(1): Cade, T. J. & Seddon, P. J. 1998. Bird introduction News 16: 3-5. 177-184. re- introductions: Pre - release preparation, releases and post- Contributed by Philip J. Seddon, RSG van Heezik, Y., Seddon, P. J. and release monitoring. Ostrich 69: 161. Bird Section Chair, Director, Diploma in Maloney, R. F. 1999. Helping Wildlife Management, Zoology reintroduced houbara bustards avoid Maloney, R. F., Seddon, P. J. & Department, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand, e-mail: predation: Effective anti-predator Paillat, P. 1998. Reintroduction of [email protected] training and the predictive value of Houbara Bustards: The process of
Carnivore Section Report
e-introduction of carnivore free-ranging population includes about The successes and failures of species continue to be 25 animals organized in several previous wolf re-introductions have viewed as a viable tool for breeding pairs. Conflicts with humans set the stage for a new effort to facilitating conservation. have been less serious than predicted restore, via re-introductions, Canis RRecent email exchanges illustrate this and reproduction in the wild has been lupus to the Southern Rockies as they range from favorable updates documented and is expected to Ecoregion. This portion of the U.S. about the lynx (Lynx canadensis) re- become commonplace. The project is stretches from south central introduction effort being implemented currently initiating a 3-year review and Wyoming, through western Colorado, in the United States by the Colorado expectations are that it will be into north central New Mexico. The Division of Wildlife, to questions about favorable. Ecoregion is characterized by about initiating a lion (Panthera leo) re- 10 million hectares of public land that introduction in Kenya, to a nascent The news is not so good for the red support robust populations of native campaign to develop a “how-to” wolf (Canis rufus) re-introduction ungulates like elk (Cervus elaphus) manual on carnivore re-introductions. project. This effort, which was initiated and mule deer (Odocoileus in 1986 at the Alligator River National hemionus). Two science-based Discussions about carnivore re- Wildlife Refuge in northeastern North studies (one facilitated by the SSC- introduction in the United States (U. Carolina, experienced good progress IUCN Conservation Breeding S.) are still dominated by efforts until the mid-1990s. At that time field Specialist Group) conducted during focusing on gray wolves (Canis biologist began to suspect that the last decade concluded that the lupus). The re-introductions of wolves hybridization with coyotes (Canis Ecoregion could support 1,000 to to the Greater Yellowstone Area and latrans) was becoming a serious 2,000 wolves mostly on public land central Idaho are tremendous threat to the genetic integrity of the where conflicts with humans would be successes as both areas now support Canis rufus. Subsequent fieldwork minimal. Many consider the Southern well over 100 animals. Reproduction confirmed this suspicion. Currently the Rockies Ecoregion to be a mother has been consistent from nearly the project is in the 2nd year of a 3-year lode of potential for wolf recovery. outset of the projects and now dozens assessment to better quantify the Moreover, successfully restoring of pups are added to the populations frequency of hybridization and to Canis lupus to this portion of the U.S. each spring. Conflicts with humans consider field techniques for reducing would provide Mother Nature badly and depredations of livestock have the frequency to an acceptable level. needed grist to restore a been less than expected. The success It is possible that such measures will metapopulation of wolves along the of the projects has prompted the U.S. prove ineffective. If so, within a Rocky Mountains from Canada to Fish and Wildlife Service to initiate decade or so the red wolf will probably Mexico! plans to remove the species from the cease to exist in the wild. list of endangered species for the Interestingly, hybridization with The conservation community Northern Rockies region of the U.S. coyotes was one of the main reasons recognizes the tremendous potential that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service of the Southern Rockies and in In the southwestern portion of the U. decided in the 1970s to initiate a response over a dozen organizations S. the re-introduction of Mexican captive-breeding program by formed a coalition to facilitate wolf wolves (Canis lupus baileyi) continues removing the last few naturally recovery. The coalition is based in to progress. After three years of occurring red wolves from the wild in Colorado and is known as the releases into the Apache National southwestern Louisiana and Southern Rockies Wolf Restoration. Forest in Arizona and the Gila southeastern Texas. The Project was officially launched in National Forest in New Mexico, the 2000 and has gained important
5 Re-introduction NEWS No. 20 August 2001
momentum since then. For example, Special carnivore fox, African lion, cheetah, Asiatic lion, a meeting of the Project’s Steering Florida panther, Canadian lynx, black- Committee during March 2001 issue of footed ferret, European otter, Oriental resulted in 12 individuals assuming small-clawed otter, brown bear, black responsibility for over 100 tasks to be Re-introduction News bear and dolphin. The final completed by August 2002. The odds compilation was 15 species in over 10 of wolves being restored, via re- countries. introductions, to the Southern Rockies In August 1999 the Turner Ecoregion are improved mightily if the Endangered Species Fund (TESF) Contributed by Mike Phillips, RSG Project can maintain that level of funded issue no. 18 of the Re- Carnivore Section Chair, Executive energy for an extended period of time. introduction News which was a Director, Turner Endangered Species More information can be obtained special carnivore issue. This special Fund, Gallatin Gateway, Montana, USA, e-mail: [email protected] from the project’s website (www. carnivore issue had articles on the gray wolf, Mexican wolf, red wolf, swift rockywolf.org).
Invertebrate Section Report
uring 1997 I commented on with colleagues at the British Butterfly 94-100. drafts of the Guidelines for Conservation Society to produce DRe -introductions. In 1998 I Guidelines for the re-introduction of Pullin, A.S. 1998. What have we took receipt of a number of copies of Lepidoptera. These have now been learnt from invertebrate restoration the printed guidelines, in six accepted by the Society and will be programmes? VII International languages, and have continued to widely disseminated. I was involved in Congress of Ecology, p 345. distribute these to as wide an writing and executing two UK Species audience as possible. Action Plans (Lycaena dispar and Nicholls, C. & Pullin, A.S. 1998. Using Carterocephalus palaemon) which the restoration ecology approach in Papers presented on include re-introduction strategies. Lycaena dispar re-establishment programmes (Lepidoptera: invertebrate Re-introduction Lycaenidae), European Congress of Ecology, p 702. re-introductions related publications Webb, M.R. & Pullin, A.S. 1998. Effects of submergence by winter · British Ecological Society AGM, As founding Editor, I helped establish floods on diapausing caterpillars of a Warwick, UK, December 1997. the Journal of Insect Conservation, wetland butterfly, Lycaena dispar Published by Kluwer Academic Press, batavus, Ecological Entomology 23, · International Congress of Ecology, that now regularly contains papers on 96-99. Florence, Italy. July 1998. insect re-introductions. · European Congress of Pullin, A.S. 1997. Habitat Entomology, Czech Republic, Hoole, J.C., Joyce, D.A. & Pullin, A.S. requirements of Lycaena dispar August 1998, 1999. Estimates of gene flow between batavus and implications for re- populations of the swallowtail British Ecological Society AGM, establishment in England, Journal of · butterfly, Papilio machaon in Leicester, UK, December 1998 Insect Conservation 1, 177-185. Broadland, U.K. and implications for · Association of Applied Biologists conservation, Biological Conservation Webb, M.R. & Pullin, A.S. 1997. The meeting, London, UK, July 1999. 89, 293-299. Orange Argus: a history of the large · 3rd International Symposium on copper butterfly in Britain, British Pullin, A.S. 1999. Priorities in Butterfly Conservation. Oxford. Wildlife 9, 29-37. terrestrial invertebrate conservation, September 1999. Symposium . Aspects of Applied Biology 53, 33-40. Contributed by Andrew S. Pullin, · British Ecological Society AGM, Invertebrate Section Chair,Senior Leeds, UK, December 1999. Nicholls, C.N. & Pullin, A.S. 1999. The Lecturer, School of Biological Sciences, ecology and conservation of the large University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Butterfly copper (Lycaena dispar), Educational UK, e-mail: [email protected] pack. English Nature. Peterborough. re-introduction Pullin, A.S. Balint, Z., Balletto, E., guidelines and Buszko, J., Coutsis, J.G., Goffart, P., Kulfan, M., Lhonore, J.E., Settele, J. & action plans van der Made, J.G. 1998. The status, ecology and conservation of Lycaena During the Triennium period I worked dispar (Lycaenidae: Lycaenini) in Europe, Nota Lepidopterologica 21,
6 Re-introduction NEWS No. 20 August 2001
Plant Section Report
he last triennium has been Kew) worked with Mike Maunder, Future developments busy for the plants sections Mark Stanley Price and Pritpal S. with activities focusing on Soorae (Micky) on a number of local capacity building training courses between 1996 and During the last three years a close activitiesT and the development of 1999. In 1999 a three day workshop working relationship has developed policy publications, looking at the on habitat restoration and species re- between RSG and the Conservation linkage between in-situ and ex-situ introduction was held in Voi, Kenya. Breeding Specialist Group of the conservation, a core area of expertise Other training events on the RSG re- SSC-it is hoped to further develop this for RSG. introduction guidelines were held in collaboration. We intend to broaden Kenya and Tanzania. A local working the plant membership base to encompass more representation from Membership group on restoration and re- introduction issues has been protected areas and government established in Kenya based at the conservation agencies. We also see There are over 40 plant re- National Museums of Kenya. a need for promoting re-introduction introduction members in RSG. The as a component of large scale current membership is largely focused ecosystem restoration programs within botanic gardens but we have an SSC Plant where multispecies re-introduction increasing number of members from Conservation works in parallel with habitat Eastern European conservation restoration. Key players for future agencies who are undertaking a large Committee work will be the Society for number of plant re-introductions. We Restoration Ecology and the Center urgently need to expand the for Plant Conservation. Similarly we geographical scope of membership RSG (Maunder, Simiyu, Olwell) is plan to consolidate links with with South America and South and represented on the SSC Plant important SSC Specialist Groups, East Asia being poorly represented. Conservation Committee and has particularly Orchids, Conifers, Palms, played an active role in promoting re- Cycads, Cacti and Succulents, to introduction and restoration activities Korea produce taxonomically orientated through the development of the SSC expanded re-introduction guidelines. Plant Conservation Strategy. Through the enthusiasm and Acknowledgements encouragement of the group chair, Conferences Professor Yong Shik Kim of the University of Yeungnam, the RSG has I would like to thank the recently been working with the Korean Plant Informal meetings of RSG plant retired Director of the Royal Botanic Specialist Group (KPSG). This has members were held at the Botanic Gardens, Kew, Professor G.T. Prance focused on the development of the Gardens Conservation International for his support to the RSG and the Korean Plant Specialist Group (BGCI) meetings in Cape Town allocation of office resources for RSG mission and working policies, and (1997) and Asheville (2000), at the activities. I would particularly like to species management protocols. The Cape Town meeting hosted by thank Mark Stanley Price and Pritpal Korean Plant Specialist Group will be National Botanical Institute at Singh Soorae (Micky) for their translating the RSG guidelines into Kirstenbosch a total of six RSG continued support, guidance and Korean. This work was generously members gave presentations on a encouragement. sponsored by the British Embassy in variety of threatened species Seoul. The next stage of this work will management issues. Contributed by Mike Maunder, Plants focus on developing recovery Chair and Deputy Chair, The National planning protocols for application in Policy and research Tropical Botanical Garden, Kalaheo, Korea. Kauai, Hawaii, USA, e-mail: [email protected]
Considerable time was given to East-Africa looking at the relationship between ex-situ conservation and the retention As part of the joint RBG Kew and of wild populations and ecosystems. National Museums of Kenya plant An initial paper was presented at the conservation training course, funded International Conference on Breeding in part by the Darwin Initiative, the Endangered Species at Cincinnati RSG was able to collaborate with the Zoo and Botanic Garden (Maunder et newly formed East African Plant al., 1999) with subsequent papers in Specialist Group (chair: Stella Simiyu press. RSG is taking a lead role in the of the National Museums of Kenya conference proceedings from the (NMK)). RSG members Peggy Olwell October 1999 conference on ex-situ (then of the US Fish and Wildlife plant conservation hosted by the Service), Stella Simiyu (NMK), Clare Chicago Botanic Garden with Berry Hankamer and Colin Clubbe (RBG Botanic Garden and RBG Kew.
7 Re-introduction NEWS No. 20 August 2001
Primate Section Report
uring the Triennial period, I are housed in zoos. I also participated Presentations reviewed several requests in 2 US Fish and Wildlife Service Drelating to the re-introduction workshops on Endangered Species and rehabilitation of primates, Recovery Programs, many of which · 2000 XXIV Congresso da including programs for ruffed lemurs involve a re-introduction component Sociedade de Zoologicos do Brasil in Madagascar, Sumatran orangutans, which bridges the gap between and V Encontro Internacional de and gibbons in Thailand. Additionally, captive breeding programs in zoos Zoologicos, Belo Horizonte, MG, I distributed a number of copies of the and conservation of species in the Brasil, Os Programas de Re-introduction Guidelines after wild. Conservacao e Manejo de Micos- requests from individuals who were Leoes (Conservation and considering or in the midst of Publications management programs for lion organizing a proposal. tamarins) (with Jeremy J.C. Mallinson) I reviewed and commented on several Kleiman, D.G., Reading, R.P., Miller, drafts of a set of Primate B.J., Clark, T.W., Scott, J.M., · 2000 Symposium on Applied Reintroduction Guidelines, specifically Robinson, J., Wallace, R., Cabin, R. & Animal Behavior, Animal Behavior developed for the Primate community. Felleman, F. 2000. The importance of Society Annual Meeting, Atlanta, improving evaluation in conservation, GA., Training captive-born animals I attended and participated in Conservation Biology 14: 356-365. for reintroduction to the wild (with conferences of the Society for Benjamin B. Beck) Conservation Biology, Animal Ruiz-Miranda, C. R., Kleiman, D.G., · IX Congresso Brasileiro de Behavior Society, International Dietz, J.M., Moraes, E., Grativol, A.D., Primatologia, Santa Teresa, ES, Theriological Society, Brazil Baker, A.J. & Beck, B.B. 1999. Food Brasil, Diferencas da comunicacao Primatological Society, Brazil Society transfers in wild and reintroduced entre primatas nascidos em of Zoos, and the American Zoo and golden lion tamarins, Leontopithecus cativeiro e primatas selvagems Aquarium Association where I gave rosalia, Amer. J. Primatol. 48:305- (with C. Ruiz , E. Moraes, and A. presentations on conservation 320. D. Grativol) programs involving a re-introduction IX Congresso Brasileiro de component, especially concerning the Kleiman, D. 1999. Long-term · golden lion tamarin conservation evaluation and planning for golden Primatologia, Santa Teresa, ES, program. lion tamarin conservation, Tamarin Brasil, International committees for Tales 3: 13-15. the recovery and management of I also participated in a Giant Panda lion tamarins (Leontopithecus) Workshop on Re-introduction in 1997, Kleiman, D.G. & Mallinson, J.J.C. (with J.J.C. Mallinson). in which criteria that I published were 1998. Recovery and management · 1999 Lecture for course applied to the potential for committees for lion tamarins: “Biodiversity and Wildlife reintroduction of giant pandas. I was Partnerships in conservation planning Conservation”, Johns Hopkins a member of a panel discussion and implementation. Conservation University School of Arts and concerning the same subject in Biology 12: 27-38. Sciences, Washington DC (8 Nov) October 2000 at an international and Baltimore, MD (14 Oct): conference on giant pandas at the Ballou, J.D., Lacy, R.C., Kleiman, D. Comparing conservation San Diego Zoo. G., Rylands, A.B. & Ellis, S., (Co- challenges: Recovery programs editors). 1998. Leontopithecus II: The for giant pandas and golden lion I co-organized two symposia on the second population and habitat viability tamarins. evaluation of conservation programs assessment for lion tamarins (Leontopithecus), Final Report. (at the Society for Conservation Invited lecture Biology in 1997 and the American Zoo Conservation Breeding Specialist and Aquarium Association in 2000). Group (IUCN/SSC): Apple Valley, MN. · Special Species Symposium, “The Castro, M.I., Beck, B.B., Kleiman, D. I published several papers that Role of Veterinary Medicine in G. Ruiz-Miranda, C. & Rosenberger, compared the behavior of captive, International Species A.L. 1997. Environmental enrichment wild or re-introduced golden lion Conservation”, Cornell University in a reintroduction program for golden tamarins as part of a research College of Veterinary Medicine, lion tamarins (Leontopithecus rosalia), program to determine the best Ithaca, NY, Components of Pp. 113-128. In: Second Nature: methods for preparing primates for re- successful re- introduction Environmental Enrichment for Captive introduction. programs. Animals Eds. D.J. Shepherdson, J. D. I gave several invited lectures, Mellen, and M. Hutchins. Washington · Harvard-Smithsonian Center for seminars, and talks comparing DC: Smithsonian Institution Press. Astrophysics, Adventurous conservation programs for golden lion Women Lecture Series, Cambridge, MA, Zoo and tamarins and giant pandas, and the role of re-introduction in recovery Conservation Research with programs for endangered species that Charismatic Mammals.
8 Re-introduction NEWS No. 20 August 2001
· Lecture for 1998 World Ecology Society for Conservation Biology, Conservation, Seventh Day program “Getting off the Ark: Victoria, BC Canada, 8 June. International Theriological The New Role of Zoos in Species · Golden Lion Tamarin Congress, Acapulco, Mexico, The and Habitat Conservation”, Conservation: Where are We Golden Lion Tamarin and the University of Missouri- St. Louis, Going and How do We Get There? Mata Atlantica of Brazil: the The Golden Lion Tamarins of (with James M. Dietz). History and Evolution of a Brazil: An Example of the Role of Flagship Species Approach to · Symposium How Effective are Conservation Zoos as Partners in Species Single Species Approaches for Workshop, Giant Panda Re- Conservation. Ecosystem Conservation?, 11th · · Annual Meeting, Society for Annual Meeting, Society for introduction, Wolong Reserve, Conservation Biology, Sydney, Conservation Biology, Victoria, BC Sichuan China, Australia, Canada, Lion Tamarins and the · Managing Captive Giant Pandas · Comparing the Organization and Mata Atlantica of Brazil: The for Reintroduction Success of the Recovery History and Evolution of a · Audobon Naturalist Society Programs for Giant Pandas and Flagship Species Approach to Series, Washington, DC, Giant Golden Lion Tamarins Conservation Pandas and Golden Lion · 1998c Special Lecture, Denver · Annual meeting, Animal Behavior Tamarins: Endangered Species Zoo, Giant Pandas and Golden Society, College Park, MD, Food Recovery Challenges Lion Tamarins: Comparing Two Transfers in Wild and Re- Contributed by Devra Kleiman, Director, Conservation Challenges introduced Golden Lion Tamarins, Leontopithecus rosalia (with Conservation Planning Support · Symposium on Evaluating Carlos Ruiz-Miranda). Program, Conservation International, Conservation Programs: Theory Washington DC, USA, e-mail: Symposium. The Flagship Species and Practice, 11th Annual Meeting, · [email protected] Approach to Ecosystem
Reptile / Amphibian Section Report
esides the role of project introductions of Crocodiles as a · Relocation of amphibian officer and running the RSG Conservation Tool was presented. populations from their threatened Secretariat on a daily basis I · Poster/paper presentation on the habitats to two temporary created also represent the Reptile/ Relative Costs of Re-introducing ponds and a two year study of AmphibianB Section. The following Crocodiles to the Wild was introduced and locally recruited activities have been conducted for this displayed at this meeting. amphibian populations and section. monitoring of early wetland
Special Reptile/ development, Ohio, USA Amphibian Amphibian Issue of Re-introduction Publications
Re-introduction News Guidelines Soorae, P. S. & Stanley Price, M. R. (1998) General Introduction to Re- In a joint project with RSG member, introductions In: Proceedings of the RSG member, Bob Johnson is Bob Johnson who is based at the 14th Working Meeting of the Crocodile preparing Guidelines for Amphibian Toronto Zoo, Canada, funds were Specialist Group, IUCN-The World Re-introductions. This is currently an raised for a special issue of Re- Conservation Union, Gland, on-going project and upon completion introduction News (no. 17). This issue Switzerland and Cambridge, UK. the draft guidelines will be circulated focused exclusively on reptile/ for review and comment. amphibian re-introductions and Soorae, P. S., Elliot, J. & P. Muruthi covered 21 articles on reptiles and (1998) Relative Costs of Re- Meetings amphibians. The Toronto Zoo, introducing Crocodiles to the Wild. In: Canada provided funding for this Proceedings of the 14th Working
th issue. Meeting of the Crocodile Specialist During 1988 I attended the 14 Group, IUCN-The World Conservation Working Meeting of the IUCN/SSC Union, Gland, Switzerland and Crocodile Specialist Group in Project advice Cambridge, UK. Singapore. At this meeting a keynote speech/paper and poster/paper /contacts Contributed by Pritpal S. Soorae, Senior presentation was displayed. Conservation Officer, IUCN/SSC Re-
· Re-introduction of the Caucasian introduction Specialist Group, ERWDA, · Keynote speech/paper in the Abu Dhabi, UAE, e- mail: salamander to the Great Caucus [email protected] Session on the Evaluation of Re- Mountains, Georgia.
9 Re-introduction NEWS No. 20 August 2001
RSG Projects
Planning for viable re-introductions
he Re-introduction Specialist introduction practitioners to assess, and criteria will be fleshed out to form Group obtained a grant implement and monitor/evaluate re- a protocol for each of the five stages. T through the Denver Zoological introduction projects. These will then be supplemented with Foundation, USA to develop the examples from plant and animal re- Planning Protocols for Viable Re- The following are the five main criteria introductions. introductions. involving a re-introduction project, namely: a) Feasibility, b) We hope to involve the RSG This project will aim to transform the Implementation, c) Monitoring, d) membership in this project and please existing Guidelines for Re- Evaluation and e) Lessons Learnt. forward me an e- mail at introductions, which is essentially a
Guidelines for non-human primate re-introductions
uidelines for Nonhuman at: special issue of Re-introduction Primate Re-introductions are http://194.158.18.4/intranet/DocLib/ News focusing on selected being developed in response Docs/IUCN978.pdf primate re-introduction case- G to the increasing occurrence studies and which will also include of primate re-introduction projects Funding required the guidelines. worldwide and consequently, to the · Production and dissemination of a In order to complete the above growing need for policy guidelines. Guidelines for Non-human Primate activities, RSG is fund-raising from The guidelines will help ensure that Re-introductions. such re-introduction efforts achieve various donors involved in primate their intended conservation benefit conservation and some funds have · Posting of the guidelines on the without causing adverse side effects already been raised. We would like WWW. of greater impact. interested organizations, especially those dealing with primates issues to All donors will be acknowledged by The guidelines have been drafted and contact RSG if they are interested in having their respective logos were posted onto the WWW for being involved in this exciting project. appearing on all the above review by interested parties and publications and web sites. comments have been received and Funds are needed for the following are being collated. activities: Please contact the RSG Secretariat at
African elephant re-introduction guidelines
The IUCN/SSC Re-introduction therefore aim to develop guidelines These guidelines will then be widely Specialist Group (RSG) in conjunction which will draw on the experiences of distributed to African elephant with the IUCN/SSC African Elephant past and recent translocations to managers throughout the historical Specialist Group (AfESG) is identify key problem areas and range of African elephants. developing bi-lingual (English/French) achievements. African elephant re-introduction For further information contact the guidelines. These guidelines are We also propose to look at biological RSG Secretariat at: PSoorae@erwda. being developed due to the increasing issues, community and socio-political gov.ae or AfESG Secretariat at: number of African elephant concerns and habitat requirements. [email protected] translocations taking place across Once all this information has been Africa. collected it will be synthesized into a best practice approach to elephant re- A lot of these translocations are introductions. successful while many are not. We
10 Re-introduction NEWS No. 20 August 2001
Mammals
Orangutan re-introduction and protection workshop, East Kalimantan, Indonesia
his workshop was held from past where confiscated individuals 15th to 18th June 2001 in East have been released into small forest T Kalimantan, Indonesia. This patches which contain wild workshop was organized to address individuals. In some cases confiscated the critical state of orangutans both in orangutans have been introduced as confiscation centers, illegal pets and an alien species into a habitat they do those in the wild. I participated in the not naturally occur and this can have Rehabilitation and Re-introduction a negative impact on the endemic Working Group of this workshop. flora and fauna. Therefore the terminology used was standardized in Current situation accordance to existing IUCN Guidelines. Orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus) Orangutans today exist mainly in To prevent genetic pollution and © African Wildlife Foundation small fragmented populations on the disease spread to wild populations it islands of Borneo (subspecies Pongo was decided not to release introduction Working group pygmaeus pygmaeus) and Sumatra confiscated orangutans into areas recommended that the top priorities (subspecies Pongo pygmaeus abelii). with viable wild populations. There is should be: Also on the island of Borneo there are also a decree by the Indonesian generally considered to be four government that forbids the release of · Orangutans must be released into distinct sub-populations. It is confiscated individuals into areas with protected and potentially protected estimated that there are currently 600 wild populations. areas. wild-born captive orangutans in re- habilitation centers and an equal Therefore new release areas have to · Law enforcement and appropriate number being held illegally in be found where these confiscated deterrents to the killing and captivity. Due to a lack of awareness individuals can be rehabilitated into a capturing of orangutans are and law enforcement, orangutans are forested environment and where most crucial, combined with intensive taken from the wild and this mainly as likely they will have to be provisioned habitat protection. a result of large-scale destruction of indefinitely. There are disease risks, · Recognizing that no one tropical rainforests throughout Borneo especially from tuberculosis and organization institution alone can and Sumatra. The whole situation has hepatitis, thus stressing the solve these problems, we been further exacerbated by fires, importance of isolation from wild recommend forming an alliance of illegal logging and commercial populations. the rehabilitation centers across agricultural plantations. Borneo and Sumatra in order to
Population viability work cooperatively to further these Re-introduction or aims.
· To ensure the integrity of wild rehabilitation? Orangutans reach puberty at 10+ years and infants are dependant up till populations. 4 to 5 years of age. Their diet also A number of projects have been consists of 70% soft-pulp fruits Other issues of importance were terming their operations “re- including young leaves, shoots improving in-situ protection, introduction” projects whilst in actual termites and meat-eating has also ecotourism, funding orangutan fact they are “rehabilitation” projects. been reported. Since they depend on protection, rehabilitation procedures, According to the IUCN Guidelines for soft fruits, they are old-growth individual welfare, use of correct Re-introductions, a re-introduction specialists, therefore clear-cutting or terminology as per IUCN Guidelines aims to establish a viable, self- illegal logging can cause localized and support systems. sustaining population in the wild from extinction. Also they do not wander where it has previously become too much and generally stay in a A full report on this workshop will be extinct. The current practice is to localized area and this makes them published by IUCN/SSC Conservation rehabilitate orangutans into forest more vulnerable to logging. Therefore Breeding Specialist Group (CBSG), e- patches which cannot support viable mail: [email protected] suitable orangutan habitat must populations. In these cases they have contain the relevant fruiting trees to to be indefinitely provisioned with food Contributed by Pritpal Soorae, maintain a viable population of this Executive Officer, IUCN/SSC Re- to maintain such densities in these highly specialized species. introduction Specialist Group (RSG), forested areas. There have also been ERWDA, Abu Dhabi, UAE, E-mail: some controversial releases in the The Rehabilitation and Re- [email protected]
11 Re-introduction NEWS No. 20 August 2001
Challenging developments in primate rehabilitation programs, Africa
ince the late 1980’s we have depend critically on the way each (Brazzaville). Re-introduction of seen a rapid increase in the program is managed. orphan gorillas confiscated within the Snumber of primate Congo to the Lefini Reserve rehabilitation centers active within The IUCN/SSC guidelines are commenced in 1994. Although the site Africa. From 1988 onwards 18 particularly cautious about re- was once likely to have been on the projects have emerged within the introduction and/or reinforcement extreme outer boundaries of Western African continent. In addition to the programs of confiscated animals lowland gorilla territory (A lone dramatic increase in the numbers of within wild con-specific species’ silverback was sighted close to the active projects, another significant range, focusing upon the little area in the early 1960’s. There have development is the increased understood problem of disease been no sightings since), today there institutional support from transmission from re-introduced exists no population for some organizations such as The Jane animals to vulnerable wild con- considerable distance. This was a Goodall Institute, The Howletts and specifics and the equally poorly critical factor when originally Port Lympne Foundation, The understood risk of introducing identifying the re-introduction site. International Primate Protection behavioral and/or genetic aberrations League (IPPL). Bristol Zoo, Antwerp to wild con-specifics. Another currently active Howletts and Zoo, IUCN and WCS have all at times Port Lympne Foundation initiative is assisted and supported other projects. The risk of disease transmission in their gorilla re-introduction program particular may have “potentially located in Mpassa in Southeast Additionally, it appears that the field’s catastrophic effects” (page 13, IUCN, Gabon. Similar to the Foundation’s strategic emphasis has broadened to 2000) on wild populations of con- Congo (Brazzaville) project, the re- include such diverse issues as specifics or unrelated species. introduction site is deliberately not conservation education, protected Furthermore, it appears that it may be within con-specific range, and thus the area management, the bushmeat impossible to confidently undertake risk of disease transmission negligible trade, behavioral research, and the preventative measures such as and not at odds with the guidelines. lobbying of the general public and disease/parasitology screening, The issue here is one of the mixing of governments. However, within the vaccination as “tests do not exist for genetic lineage. field, policies and objectives can differ many animal diseases” (IUCN, 2000). significantly, and some primate Thus, the guidelines recommend the Here twenty confiscated and rehabilitation projects have begun to use of the precautionary principle rehabilitated gorillas are undergoing a pursue increasingly ambitious re- (That responsibility should reside with phased and managed re-introduction introduction programs, with potentially those wishing to undertake any action to the wild. However, central to the significant effects to wild con- that could conceivably cause harm - programs’ aims and objectives is the specifics. either to demonstrate its re-introduction of gorillas bred in harmlessness, beyond reasonable captivity at the Foundation’s zoos in Re-introduction doubt, or to abstain from that action). Kent, England. Thus far two This would mean that no primate re- individuals, both males aged 2 and 3 amongst introduction that risks evolving, years respectively, have been whether deliberately or accidentally, exported from the zoos to the release con-specifics into primate reinforcement should be site. Of the two gorillas released, one undertaken in the future. Particularly died shortly after arriving, apparently as there is no evidence that present from appendicitis. The surviving gorilla According to IUCN’s most recently wild populations of either Western remains healthy and within the published material concerning the lowland gorilla or any of the sub program along with other locally management of confiscated wildlife species of chimpanzee are confiscated gorillas. (IUCN, 2000), an immediate priority approaching the low numbers where guideline states, under conservation reinforcement might be a desirable The captive bred gorillas in question principles and practice, that re- strategy. were the offspring of gorillas introduction of a confiscated animal confiscated in Brazzaville by the outside the species natural range, There are currently three projects Congolese authorities in the 1980’s. should only be undertaken if the undertaking primate re-introduction Both parents were likely to have program falls within the IUCN programs in Africa. Identifying the originated from the southern Kouillou Guidelines for Re-introduction (IUCN, strategies of these programs should region of Congo (Brazzaville), some 1998) for a Conservation Introduction be a priority, given that errors, if 300 to 400 Km distant from the and the species in question is of a made, could well have long term and Mpassa re-introduction site. high conservation value. Although irreversible impacts. Therefore, it could be strongly argued perhaps difficult to quantify, the high that the re-introduction does not fall conservation value of both One of the three programs currently outside the IUCN Guidelines for Re- chimpanzees and gorillas is of little active is the Howletts and Port introduction regarding genetic lineage. dispute. However, the conservation Lympne Foundation project in Congo value of each re-introduction will
12 Re-introduction NEWS No. 20 August 2001
However, should the re-introduction disappear with a wild group for days in Africa, and this association may progress satisfactorily, the Mpassa and weeks at a time” (Farmer, 2000). well provide a pivotal mechanism for site will form the base of further zoo the sharing of information. Such bred gorilla re-introductions that may If the considerations expressed by the dialogue will be vital, if primate involve gorillas whose genetic origins IUCN/SCC Re-Introduction Specialist rehabilitation is to have a continuing are not entirely known (Recent Group regarding the threats of and beneficial conservation role in evidence suggesting the existence of disease transmission of confiscated Africa. a new sub-species of Western animals to wild con-specifics are lowland gorilla found on the legitimate, then undeniably, the work References Cameroon and Nigerian border further undertaken by the HELP chimpanzee adds to the significance of this release program should be of Farmer, K. H. 2000. The Final Steps to concern). The program would then be considerable concern. Freedom: Conkouati Chimpanzees Returned to the Wild, International Primate clearly in breach of the IUCN Protection League News, Vol. 27, no. 2 guidelines. Conclusion IUCN 2000. Guidelines for the Placement The third of the programs that raise of Confiscated Animals, Prepared by the significant issues is the Habitat The important lesson to be learnt in IUCN/SSC Re-introduction Specialist Ecologique et Liberté des Primates the light of recent developments in Group, IUCN, Gland, Switzerland (HELP) chimpanzee rehabilitation primate rehabilitation programs, and program of Congo (Brazzaville). Since in specific reference to existing and IUCN 1998. Guidelines for Re- 1996 HELP has released 23 future programs, is that errors are introductions, Prepared by the IUCN/SSC avoidable if all parties such as the Re-introduction Specialist Group, IUCN, confiscated and rehabilitated Gland, Switzerland and Cambridge, UK, 10 chimpanzees into a portion of the Convention on the International Trade pp. Conkouati Reserve. Of the 23 in Endangered Species (CITES), the chimpanzees re-introduced, 6 are host country government and Contributed by Mark John Attwater, either dead or their fate unknown and protected area management teams Primate Research Institute, Field 17 remain alive and healthy. It does from which the programs are required Research Centre, Kyoto University, appear that, if not reinforcing the wild to seek permission in order to Japan, e-mail: population, the re-introduced undertake re-introduction, are made [email protected] chimpanzees are certainly in frequent fully aware of the IUCN/SSC contact with wild groups. A recently guidelines. published article on the project confirmed, “There have been many A promising development is the positive encounters between the formation of the Pan African released female chimpanzee and wild Sanctuary Alliance (PASA), which chimpanzees” And “During periods of involves all primary stakeholders of estrus two of the released females chimpanzee rehabilitation sanctuaries
Re-introduction of beavers in Denmark
enmark is part of the Behavioural studies carried out during Beaver carrying capacity for the State European beaver’s historic the first eight months after the re- Forest area was calculated on the range. The beaver is introduction focused on foraging basis of average territory size. Direct thought to have become behaviour, scent marking behaviour observations (29 hours) and infrared Dextinct in Denmark more than 1000 and dam building behaviour. video recordings (316 hours) were years ago due to over-hunting and carried out. destruction of suitable habitat (Nolet, Methods 1997). In 1999 the European beaver Results was re-introduced to Denmark. Large areas in the country have been Eighteen beavers were captured in drained due to heavy agricultural use the Elbe area, Germany and released Although beavers abandoned four out and the main reason for re-introducing in Klosterheden State Forest at six of six release sites, they either settled this species was because of its ability different sites. None of the beavers within forest area or in the vicinity of to create dynamics in its were marked for individual the forest. This fact indicates that the surroundings. By cutting down trees recognition. Recordings of signs of approach taken towards pointing out clearings are made which allow for the activity included data on cuts and potential release sites was growth of light-demanding species felled trees, trails, foraging sites, scent appropriate. No animals were found and by building dams beavers flood mounds, and construction work. dead and at least four kits, total, were areas creating new habitats for many born at four different sites. species of insects, amphibians and Data on scent mounds were used to birds. define territorial boundaries in order to make estimates of territory sizes.
13 Re-introduction NEWS No. 20 August 2001
three ways: Klosterheden State Forest will be able to sustain a family group of beavers in A beaver would swim from upstream the long run because winter food direction towards the dam carrying a (bark) will be the limiting factor. branch; it would secure the branch on Carrying capacity of the area the dam and then either continue dam therefore may be overestimated. building work by gathering mud from However, this should not have a great the stemmed pond or terminate dam impact on the population, as beavers Beaver (Castor fiber) work. are not restricted to the forest area.
Results: A beaver would swim towards the The low occurrence of scent mounds dam and upon getting close to the was explained by a low encounter Foraging behaviour dam the animal would swim to the rate, and hence a decreased edge of the grass field and bite/scrape stimulation for scent marking. The Beavers foraged mainly on willow off grass and secure it on the dam. very low water level in the majority of (Salix sp.) and birch (Betula sp.), but This sequence would either be the watercourses in the forest area also oak (Quercus sp.), beech (Fagus followed by gathering mud from the quite possibly made the energy costs sylvatica), aspen (Populus tremula), pond or by swimming back to the of traveling the total distances of the pine (Pinus sp.), alder (Alnus sp.), grass field to obtain more grass. territories regularly too high, thus mountain ash (Sorbus aucuparia), decreasing the chance of encounters. black cherry (Prunus serotina) and A beaver would swim from upstream spruce (Picea sp.) were cut and felled. direction towards the dam while Further studies including a larger Nearly 95% of plants foraged on were carrying mud or grass. It would place sample size are needed in order to found less than five metres from the the material on the dam and either determine whether the dam building water’s edge. The maximum distance continue dam work by collecting mud strategies in the present study merely travelled from water to a foraging site from the pond or terminate building reflect the physical parameters was 27 metres. 89% of cuts and felled behavior. Because beavers were not present at the particular site where trees measured three centimetres or marked for individual recognition it infrared video recordings took place. less in diameter. Maximum diameter was impossible to determine whether Approximately four hectares of terrain of a tree felled was 18 cm at cutting several individuals participated in dam were flooded and small ponds were height, approximately 20 cm above building. created. Since the main purpose of ground level. Infrared video the re-introduction was to have recordings carried out at one site Statistics showed that the placing of beavers create dynamics and showed that grass constituted a major material did not occur at random sites increase the proportion on wet areas, food source. Beavers foraged on on the dam, behavioral elements were at least on a small scale the goal has grass 54% of the time where foraging not performed in random order and been reached. was recorded. the transitions between different types of material added to the dam were not Valuable data were unavailable due to random. Dam building occurred at two the fact that beavers were not marked Scent marking occupied sites. At one site damming for individual recognition; 1) it was activity resulted in the flooding of impossible to determine whether Due to a very low number of scent approximately one hectare of private released family groups or pairs were mounds found at all occupied sites land and two hectares of forest area. split up. 2) Territorial boundaries were during the first six months after the re- Damming activity at the other site defined using inaccurate methods. introduction territory boundaries were resulted in the flooding of one hectare Though scepticism toward the also defined on the basis of signs of of forest area. reintroduction was widespread among activity along the waterways and people, the beavers have been a possible natural occurring boundaries tremendous public success increasing such as roads and houses. Territory Discussion the number of visitors to the forest by sizes measured between 3.8 km and approximately 50%. 7.4 km (both bank sides included). Willow and birch constituted the Average territory size was 4.7 km. majority of trees cut or felled in the References Beaver carrying capacity of present study (70% and 17% Klosterheden State Forest was 10 respectively), but this seems merely to Nolet, B.A., Hoekstra, A., Ottenheim, M.M. family groups or approximately 40 reflect that these two species were the 1994. Selective foraging on woody species animals. only abundant deciduous species by the beaver (Castor fiber), and its impact available within the State Forest area. on a riparian willow forest. Biological In the Netherlands, beavers positively Conservation, 70: 117-128. Dam building selected non-willow species, Nolet, B.A. 1997. Management of the presumably in order to obtain 110 dam building sequences and a beaver (Castor fiber): towards restoration complementary minerals or avoid of its former distribution and ecological total of 337 minutes of dam building dietary deficiencies (Nolet et al., function in Europe. Nature and were obtained from the infrared video 1994). If beavers generally select non- environment, 86: 1-32. Council of Europe recordings at one site. Building willow species and they are in fact Publishing. sequences lasted from 24 seconds to dependent on a mixed diet, it is the 15 minutes and 40 seconds. Dam impression that only a few sites in Contributed by Lena Bau, Copenhagen, building was performed in mainly Denmark E-mail: [email protected]
14 Re-introduction NEWS No. 20 August 2001
Re -introduction of swift fox in the USA: results of the first two years
he re-introduction of swift fox Wildlife and the CEI. Subsequent swift in 2000 appeared to be older than the (Vulpes velox) to the Blackfeet fox releases take place in areas cubs born to new pairs at the CEI in T Nation’s Tribal Lands, in where pre-release surveys indicate 2000. This indicated either: Montana, USA is a five-year swift fox presence. partnership, initiated in 1998, between a. the difference in latitude between the Blackfeet Nation, the Cochrane Results the more northerly CEI and Ecological Institute, and Defenders of Blackfeet lands to the south Wildlife. With two years still remaining resulted in an earlier mating in the program, a total of 76 swift fox In 1998, a total of 30 juvenile swift season, or have been re-introduced, the released foxes were released on the Blackfeet b. these cubs had been born to swift foxes have bred, producing cubs AMS Ranch, Montana, USA. This was established pairs, rather than new in 1999 and 2000, and survival of re- the first attempt to re-introduce swift pairs, either to the adult pairs introduced radio collared swift foxes fox in the USA. Over the first winter released in 1999 or juvenile pairs, over one year, was 75% (see table 1). following release (1998/99), re- which had bred in 1999 and again introduced animals were tracked by in 2000. The project is a partnership of three officers of the Blackfeet Tribal Fish & groups: Blackfeet Tribal Fish and Wildlife Department. A spring survey In August, 2000, thirty-one (31) Wildlife Department provide release undertaken by CEI found abundant juvenile swift foxes were released on sites, protection, and post release swift fox sign, three active dens, one the AMS Ranch. Sixteen of these monitoring of the animals; Cochrane pair with a litter of four cubs and one animals were radio collared. To date Ecological Institute (CEI) provides other possible litter of three, and, in there have been three mortalities, two field research, produces captive- bred late August, a den containing 2 cubs of the mortalities occurred in the first swift foxes for re-introduction, was discovered. Two known two weeks after the release. undertakes the logistical planning of mortalities, of radio-collared animals, Monitoring of the radio collared the releases, including liaison with caused by vehicle impact, occurred animals released on Blackfeet tribal government agencies in USA and over the first winter, as the swift fox lands continues over the winter of Canada, and Defenders of Wildlife, an were hunting on or near roads. 2000 - 2001. Support of the program American charity, that provides a by the Blackfeet people and the significant proportion of the funding In 1999, 15 adults and juvenile swift protection provided to the released and help in finding additional financial foxes were released on the AMS animals by the Blackfeet Tribal Fish & support. Ranch, eight of these, all adult Wildlife Department has ensured that animals, were radio collared. A none of the animals released on The release protocol for the program, telemetry program, undertaken by the Blackfeet lands, unlike those released using Portable Protective Shelters Blackfeet Tribal Fish & Wildlife in Canada, have been killed by (PPS), follows that described in Department from the spring of 2000, accidental poisoning, trapping, or Smeeton & Weagle (2000). Potential found 6 of the 8 collared swift fox. shooting. release sites are identified by a Although data analysis is not complete, preliminary results indicate thorough pre-release site survey and Conclusion assessment identifying potential prey- that 75% of the captive bred, radio base, predator pressure, escape collared swift fox survived for a year. terrain, local support for the project The Blackfeet swift fox re-introduction and legal protection for the released In 2000, a spring survey undertaken project has benefited from the lessons animals, before re-introduction is by the CEI and the Blackfeet Fish and learned in the Canadian swift fox re- initiated. Wildlife Department discovered five introduction program (1983 – 1997). swift fox natal den sites containing a The controversial value to re- The use of PPS provides protection total of 21+ cubs. These cubs were all introduction programs of captive-bred and encourages the animals to remain born to swift foxes without radio re-introduced swift foxes versus wild- in the area where they were released. collars. trapped translocated animals, seems Annual long-term monitoring of the answered in this program, as it population, after an initial month of In general, (although they were not demonstrates that captive-bred, intensive observation, is conducted trapped and handled to confirm) the reintroduced animals are capable of and coordinated by Blackfeet Fish and cubs sighted on the Blackfeet Lands survival and reproduction in the wild.
Table 1. summarizes the swift fox released to date on the Blackfeet Tribal lands, Montana from 1998 to 2000, number of cubs found the following spring and number of recorded deaths Year Swift Fox Released (Fall) Radio Collared Cubs Found (Spring) Recorded Deaths 1998 30 0 N/A 2 1999 15 8 4 (possibly 7) 2 2000 31 16 20+ 3 (to March 2001)
15 Re-introduction NEWS No. 20 August 2001
The increased survival of captive-bred 1998) and the use of PPS release swift foxes released, using PPS methodology (Smeeton & Weagle, IUCN/SSC Re-introduction Specialist methodology, in the Blackfeet re- 2000) seems to have created a Group. 1998. IUCN Guidelines for Re- introduction (75%) when compared to successful re-introduction program. introductions. IUCN Gland, Switzerland, and Cambridge, UK the documented survival, in the The survival and successful Canadian program, of swift foxes, reproduction of the swift foxes Smeeton, C. & K. Weagle. 2000. The re- both wild translocated and captive- released in the area appears to introduction of the swift fox Vulpes velox to bred, using “hard-release” methods confirm that assessment. South Central Saskatchewan, Canada. (13% to 19%, Dale Hjertaas, 1994) Oryx 34(3) 171-179. underlines the importance release References methodology plays in re-introduction. Contributed by Clio Smeeton, Cochrane Pre-release surveys following IUCN Hjertaas,D. 1994. Saskatchewan Ecological Institute, Cochrane, Alberta Guidelines for Re-introduction (IUCN, Environment and Resource Management, Canada, E-mail: [email protected] unpublished Report
Arabian oryx re-introduction in 'Uruq Bani Ma'arid, Saudi Arabia: summary and update: January 2001
or the sixth consecutive year administered 72 hours before the Arabian oryx (Oryx leucoryx) scheduled transportation. have been translocated from the National Wildlife F Translocation Research Center (NWRC) in Taif, into the 'Uruq Bani Ma'arid protected area on the south-western edge of the Rub' In 1999, 21 (10.11) third generation al-Khali desert, also known as the oryx from the National Wildlife "Empty Quarter" (see Re-introduction Research Center captive breeding News No. 14). program were translocated. The animals were moved by military Since 1995, 15 groups of Arabian oryx airplanes in two separate groups: the have been moved to the protected first shipment arrived on the 31st of area. The mean group size per January, the second on the 21st of February. No deaths or injuries transportation was 9 animals (SD= +/- Arabian oryx (Oryx leucoryx) 2.1). The mean number of males per occurred. Both groups were released transportation was 4 (SD= +/-2.2) and into the wild on the 5th of April. the mean number of females per consistent rainfalls since spring 1996) transportation was 5 (SD=+/-2.3). All released animals were fitted with and possibly also because of Transportation time from the Taif pens numbered collars, none were given competition with settled mature to the 'Uruq Bani Ma'arid pre-release radio- collars. Animals were animals. enclosure ranged from 6.5 to 9.5 assembled since birth time, long time hours. All animals moved to 'Uruq social cohesion being an important In 2000, 18 (11.7) third generation Bani Ma'arid were boma-trained for at factor to secure a risky transportation. oryx from the National Wildlife least three weeks before As already described by Dr T. Wacher Research Center captive breeding transportation (Re-introduction News (Re-introduction News 16) for animals program were translocated. The first 10). Additionally, long-acting released last year, it was evident that herd of 8 (4.4) oryx was transported tranquilizers were used during most for the first month the newly released on the 18th November, and the second translocations although four groups animals were nervous, compared to of 10 (7.3) oryx, on 25th November. comprising very quiet animals were established oryx. The released Both herds were released on 18th not tranquilized. animals remained together as December. Translocation method separate herds during the first ten followed the previous procedure. All Boma-training was started three to days after release. They were released animals were fitted with five weeks before transportation. periodically joined by wild born radio-collars. On the contrary to Every two days, each group was animals. One month after release, the previous releases animals seemed to enclosed in an indoor pen for group had become split into small be very tame and several did not increasing periods of time, ranging herds, and some individuals had adapt to their new environment. from 2 to 24 hours. Progressively the joined settled animals. Several oryx became accustomed to being animals lost condition. Five individuals At the end of January 2001, three moved into the crates. Eventually, remained in poor condition during the animals had died. Since they were twice to three times a week, each summer, ultimately three of them died. usually found several days after the group was driven around the NWRC Deaths was the result of very difficult supposed date of death, the exact for durations of 30 min to 2 hours. A environmental conditions ('Uruq Bani cause of death could not be long-acting tranquilizer was Ma'arid area has not received determined. However, because they
16 Re-introduction NEWS No. 20 August 2001
were observed in poor body condition reported deaths since 1998. Six ranger camp in the north-east of the several days before their supposed animals were poached (22% of known reserve) will hopefully help to control a date of death, we believe that they deaths). The first case occurred problem which remains still at an ultimately died of dehydration/ during autumn 1998, the oryx was embryonic stage. starvation. unidentified. On the 3rd of April 1999 a second poaching case occurred, on Conclusion Since 1995, when the first releases a captive-bred animal. In October took place in the "Empty Quarter", 139 1999 a third non identified animal was oryx (68.71) have been translocated. killed. During 2000 two captive-born Although, productivity of the released One hundred thirty one of these and one wild-born oryx were killed. animals is still positive, the oryx animals were captive-born, whereas Blood, cartridges, vehicle tracks and population has increased more slowly eight came from the Mahazat as-sayd foot prints were systematically found since 1998 than between 1995 and protected area. Ages of the at the sites by rangers. All poaching 1997. It has been admitted that translocated oryx ranged between events except one occurred in the drought conditions that have prevailed three months to six years at the time north-east, more accessible part of in the protected area since end of of arrival. Nineteen (13.6) deaths the reserve. Animals were chased 1997 have had a negative effect on among re-introduced animals have with a vehicle until exhausted, then the growth rate, by increasing been recorded in the reserve since repeatedly shot and slaughtered in- mortality rate and decreasing calving the first arrivals. Of these, six (6.0) are situ. Illegal hunting is to be considered rate. This trend should continue as thought to have been the results of as a recreational activity for the long as environmental conditions stay fights between males. Three (2.1) poachers. sub-optimal. In 2000 the slight have been poached. Seven (3.4) increase of the population was mainly individuals died because of According to the rangers and the due to re-introduction of 18 new unadaptation to environmental police it is likely that the same individuals. By December 2000 the conditions. The causes of three other poaching team was responsible of population of free-ranging oryx was deaths (2.1) are unknown. Deaths four of the six known cases. The estimated to number nearly 210 among wild born animals are less poaching team seemed to be animals. Monitoring of the Arabian readily documented as carcasses are composed of three individuals most oryx re-introduced herd is done by Mr never or rarely recovered. probably coming from Wadi al- Eric Bedin, National Wildlife Research Dawasir or El-Assil cities, located Center and remains a priority.
Poaching respectively 200 and 35 kms north of the protected area. Although poaching Contributed by Stéphane Ostrowski and problem will probably not be solved Eric Bedin, National Wildlife Research This has become a significant cause until the poaching team is identified, Center, Taif, Saudi Arabia, e-mail: [email protected] of Arabian oryx mortality in the recent measures (creation of a new protected area accounting for 30% of
Update of translocation of Thevenard Island mice to Serrurier Island, Western Australia: success and excess
conservation introduction of Conservation. The translocation forms mice. Mice kept within the enclosures native short-tailed mice one of five management actions were released after seven days. A (Leggadina lakedownensis), recommended in the Interim Recovery from Thevenard Island to Serrurier Plan for the Thevenard Island mouse. All mice established themselves within Island, Western Australia, the area of release. Mouse foot prints commenced as part of recovery Sixty-five Leggadina lakedownensis were commonly seen in the sand actions to protect the Thevenard (31:34) were captured and throughout the release site, and one- Island population from future poison- transported by helicopter to Serrurier to-two burrows were often seen each baiting for introduced house mice Island in October 1996, where they day. Mice were found to shelter within (Mus domesticus) (Re-introduction were released following an thick scrub or grass thickets during News 12). The translocation was a experimental translocation design. the daytime, and burrows were often conservation introduction, and Mice were either ‘hard’ released, seen if the scrub was not too dense. complied with the Introduction criteria released into small enclosures, into No attempt was made to disturb as set by the IUCN in 1987, and enclosures supplied with artificial animals resting during the day. Western Australian Department of burrows, or directly into artificial Individual mice would generally Conservation and Land Management burrows. A mixture of juvenile (<19 g) remain within a particular area but Translocation Policy. It commenced and adult mice were released. change location within this area every following discussions between Transmitters were fitted to 22 mice to one-to-three days. All but two of the members of the Thevenard Island ascertain their movements and day- 22 radio-collared mice survived the Mouse Recovery Team, and the locations upon release. Each mouse initial two-week period of their release approval of the Thevenard Island was given an individual number by (one mouse died within the enclosure Mouse Translocation Proposal by the ear-clipping, and genetic samples for and one mouse was found dead in the Western Australian Director of Nature DNA analysis were collected for all field, with no signs of predation).
17 Re-introduction NEWS No. 20 August 2001
Another monitoring trip was organized on Serrurier Island, and actions to Serrurier Island in October 1997 to remove a feral cat which after the breeding season of established itself on the island Leggadina lakedownensis to gauge were successful. the reproductive success of the c. A large number of founders were introduced population. Of 143 initially established on Serrurier trapnights, 50 previously unmarked Island, rather than an Leggadina lakedownensis were introduction followed by several captured at least once (35% trap small re-stockings over a period success). A search of the island of time. revealed numerous mouse burrows, d. The translocation involved wild mouse prints, and numerous feeding caught mice rather than captive Thevenard Island Mouse excavations targeted the base of a Leggadina lakedownensis bred mice, and these would species of grass. In addition, mouse © Jane McRae have required little prints covered the entire 5 km length acclimatization to their new of Serrurier Island. A third monitoring environment. trip in October 1998 was more required when selecting sites, surprising: a total of 344 Leggadina particularly island environments, to The translocation has been a lakedownensis were captured at least establish a species in an area outside success, and plans are now underway once in 168 trapnights (205% trap their recorded distribution. Serrurier by the Western Australian Department success). The population appears to Island was not in a pristine and of Conservation and Land be healthy, and current levels of ‘untouched’ state, and there were no Management to begin selective monitoring (once per year) are endemic species to the island prior to poison-baiting for house mice on sufficient. However, as preferred food the translocation of Leggadina Thevenard Island. Should selective species are being heavily targeted, lakedownensis. Several factors are control fail, the opportunity now exists and are unlikely to recover given the believed to have contributed to the to re- introduce Leggadina high feeding pressure, it is expected successful establishment of lakedownensis back to Thevenard that a decline in the population will Leggadina lakedownensis to Serrurier Island following the eradication of all occur in the next year. Island: house mice.
This translocation was a conservation a. The release site had habitat that Contributed by Dorian Moro for the introduction. The dramatic explosion was almost identical geologically Thevenard Island Mouse Recovery of Leggadina lakedownensis on and floristically to the site where Team, Department of Conservation and Serrurier Island where they did not the founder population came Land Management, Western Australia, Australia, P.O. Box 51, Wanneroo, 6065 previously occur provides an from. Western Australia, Australia, e-mail: opportune example of the caution b. There were no natural predators [email protected]
Birds
Re-introduction of the Marquesan imperial-pigeon to Ua Huka Island, French Polynesia
he Upe or Marquesan iImperial and degradation, predation (cats and been provided by the Mission d’Aide pigeon (Ducula galeata), is one three species of rat are present), and Financière et de Coopération T of the most threatened insular disease transmission from an Régionale (French Government), the pigeon species. Subfossil remains of increasing population of wild rock Service du Dévelopement Rural of F. this species have been found on the dove Columba livia. The Upe is P. (SDR), the Office of Environment of Cook Islands, Henderson Island, critically endangered, and is a species French Polynesia, the mayors of Nuku Society Islands, and Hiva Oa, Ua of special concern for Marquesan Hiva and Ua Huka, the Université de Huka, Tahuata and Nuku Hiva Islands islanders, the Société d’Ornithologe la Polynésie Française (UPF), the in the Marquesas group, indicating a de Polynésie (SOP), and authorities of Department of Conservation of New previously widespread south-eastern French Polynesia. Zealand (DOC), the South Pacific Pacific distribution. Regional Environment Program Re-introduction (SPREP) and Air Tahiti. This is one of The Upe now only inhabits Nuku Hiva the highest priority conservation Island, in the Marquesas archipelago, program projects recommended by the Société French Polynesia. Currently, the d’Ornithologe de Polynésie and South population probably numbers less Pacific Regional Environment than 150 individuals, and its continued A program to re-introduce the Upe to Program for French Polynesia. survival is threatened by hunting Ua Huka is being undertaken by (despite legal protection), habitat loss Société d’Ornithologe de Polynésie. The decision to use Ua Huka as the Funding support and assistance have
18 Re-introduction NEWS No. 20 August 2001
destination island was based on Release prehistoric evidence of Upe presence, the existence of quality habitat and food plants in the Vaikivi reserve After a period of 5-16 days in captivity, protected area, absence of black rat in a holding aviary for acclimatisation, (Rattus rattus) and strong support the transferred Upe were released from the local population, including into the Vaikivi reserve in two groups. hunters. One group was soft-released at dusk, and the second soft-released in the morning. The contact with the birds Capture of was lost within one hour after sun rise wild-birds the following day for the first group, and between 3-6 hours after release for the second group. The birds spent In May 2000, the authors travelled to a lot of time preening and viewing Nuku Hiva to capture birds for their surroundings. Contact with the translocation and a total of 26 days birds was lost when they moved from were spent mist-netting Upe. the release area. Difficulties were experienced in Upe or Marquesan Imperial capturing Upe because of its rarity Regular monitoring is being Pigeon Ducula galeata and wariness, steep terrain with few undertaken by Robert Sulpice, and possible net sites, strong winds, bright now, six months after release, regular sunshine reflecting on nets, and contact has been established with four occasional heavy rain. Five Upe were Société d'Ornithologie de Polynésie, of the five released birds. Manu, Papeete, Tahiti, E-mail: sop. captured including a pair (2:2:1), and [email protected] & Université de la seven others escaped from the nets. This translocation programme will be Polynésie française, Faa'a, Tahiti; Mike They were kept in captivity for one to continued with the release of further Thorsen, Department of Conservation, 14 days in Nuku Hiva and were then birds next year to provide enough P.O. Box 114, Waitangi, Chatam islands were transferred immediately to Ua founder birds to re-establish the Upe and Robert Sulpice, Service du Huka. on Ua Huka. Développement Rural (SDR), Ministère de l'Agriculture de Polynésie française, Ua Huka, Polynésie Française Contributed by Caroline Blanvillain,
Plants
Plant Micro-Reserves: a new model of micro protected areas, Spain
he Valencian Community, surviving as a series of Reserves (PMRs) are established and one of the 17 Spanish metapopulations. managed as a network. The main autonomous regions, is priority for these highly-fragmented approximately 23,000 km2 in The Valencian regional parliament protected areas is to develop long- area.T It is one of the most important and government are fully empowered term tracking of the regional plant plant-hotspots in Europe with more by the Spanish laws to pass richness, using selected populations than 3,100 vascular plant species, of legislation which ensures the of endemic, rare or threatened wild which 350 are endemic to Spain, and protection of wild species, and to plants as bio-indicators. Scientific 59 exclusive to the Valencian region. create and manage natural protected research is carried out on the more The endemic, rare or threatened wild areas in their territory (except for highly threatened species, this plants often live in restricted or micro- National Parks). Since 1994, the including population re-enforcements habitats such as rocks, sea cliffs, regional administration has developed or re-introductions. Unlike the temporary ponds, dunes, salt affected a project to establish a network of new classical protected areas (e.g. nature soils or in areas where only a few legally protected micro-areas, devoted parks), the Plant Micro Reserves species of vascular plants can grow. to monitoring and research on primary purpose is not to protect endemic, rare or threatened wild species or habitats, but to ensure their It is estimated that about 97% of plants. These protected micro-areas study and management under endemic vascular plants are restricted would be used as priority areas for recognized scientific protocols to these restricted sites and habitats. active conservation tasks, mainly (Laguna, 1999). In contrast to large scale habitats, focused on re-introductions and these micro-environments exist as population re-enforcements. numerous, scattered fragments, with their characteristic plant species These zones, named Plant Micro-
19 Re-introduction NEWS No. 20 August 2001
Methods Since 1997, 150 zones have been are the first model of protected micro- pre -established, 139 of them being areas specifically designed for wild In 1994, the regional government officially declared as Plant Micro plants in Europe. There are no strict passed a Decree No. 218/1994, that Reserves. The total surface of these legal conditions imposed against the established the new legally prescribed 150 zones is 688.4 ha (4.6 ha/PMR), landowner and are therefore "Plant Micro-Reserve". Each Plant but 75% of them have less an area 'politically' attractive, and this initiative Micro Reserve is officially declared by than 2 ha. They currently contain as been openly supported by public order of the regional Ministry of populations of 210 endemic species authorities (Akeroyd, 1998). The Plant Environment and is required to (representing 60% of the Spanish Micro Reserves network also publish a management plan that is endemic species present in the contributes to develop the IUCN's officially gazetted. The Plant Micro region). At least 90 taxa listed on the recommendation on the establishment Reserves must be less than 20 ha, Regional Red List are now of small protected areas to ensure the and have a good representation of represented in the network of conservation of micro-habitats, endemic, rare or threatened wild reserves. endorsed by the strategy 'Parks for plants. The legislation enforces strict Life'. protection for the plants, habitat and Twenty-one of the officially declared influences activities such as hunting. Plant Micro Reserves are private, with The creation of the Valencian Plant Livestock are generally allowed but if 6 of these owned by municipalities Micro Reserves was selected as one they are regarded as being and 15 by NGOs or private of the Spanish MAB-UNESCO detrimental their numbers can be landowners. Some owners have projects, and recently chosen by the reduced or access prevented created NGOs and obtained international platform Planta Europa altogether. European Union (EU) funds to as the flagship project to generate a manage their Plant Micro Reserves micro-reserves network in the whole The Plant Micro Reserves must be and to develop environmental European continent. The main legally established on public lands education activities. This network of European institutions, such as the owned or managed by the regional reserves holds both samples of Council of Europe and the EU, gave administration. The so-called 'private' endangered species and local technical or economical support to the Plant Micro Reserves on private land vegetation which is rich in local project. or owned by city councils can be endemic taxa. established through a voluntary and The Valencian Plant Micro Reserves permanent agreement. The owner The Plant Micro Reserves network do not try to compete with other does not lose ownership and the supports many conservation activities. protected areas. In fact, 23 Plant regional government provides The seeds of 140 species found in the Micro Reserves are found in nature economic aid as compensation. Plant Micro Reserves have been parks or nature reserves but their collected to for plant production and effectiveness to protect species and Results storage in the regional germplasm habitats are similar. In addition, the bank. Several endemic, rare or economical support to landowners threatened wild plants have been and municipalities engaged with Between 1994 and 1997, more than used in experimental re-introductions nature conservation, encourages 50 research project were undertaken or supplementations: Antirrhinum participation by other agencies which by the regional Ministry of pertegasii, Antirrhinum valentinum, allows the Plant Micro Reserves to Environment, in order to establish a Aristolochia clematitis, Carduncellus become a popular type of protected scientific basis for the establishment dianius, Kosteletzkya pentacarpa, zone. This objective is reinforced by of the Plant Micro Reserves network, Limonium dufourii, Limonium rigualii, the low level of conflicts with the local and the management of the endemic, Marsilea strigosa, Medicago citrina, population due to the Plant Micro rare or threatened wild plants. The Periploca angustifolia, Salix Reserves small area and reduced network is being established in three tarraconensis, Silene diclinis, Taxus interference over activities such as phases: baccata and several species of wild hunting, etc. As Plant Micro Reserves orchids. In addition 3 taxa have been are very small zones and scattered 1. 1994-1999: A total of 150 Plant re-introduced at regional level through the territory, they can be Micro Reserves were identified, (Juniperus phoenicea subsp. easily monitored and maintained by and a draft of management plan turbinata, Marsilea quadrifolia and local foresters. produced. These areas contain Marsilea batardae) and one of the populations of 60% of the most charismatic Spanish taxa, Silene Conclusion region’s endemic species. hifacensis, has been re-introduced in 2. 2000-2003/2004: To establish a only known endemic site, the Nature further 250 PMRs, all of them in Park Penyal d'Ifach, from where the As a main conclusion, the Valencian inland areas containing plant vanished 80 years ago. All this Plant Micro Reserves represent a new populations of more than 80% of work has been made possible by the and complementary model for plant endemic, and 60% of endangered financial support of the EU LIFE conservation, especially useful for non-endemic species. program. population re-inforcements and re- 3. >2004: Between 2004-2010 to introductions. The legal and technical establish about 350 Plant Micro basis of these reserves has enabled Reserves, both in inland and Discussion social and political acceptance. This coastal areas. promoted cooperation between The Valencian Plant Micro Reserves researchers, plant officers,
20 Re-introduction NEWS No. 20 August 2001
landowners and local authorities. As a Valencia's special flora. Plant Talk 14: 20- consequence of that, a progressive 23. London. Contributed by Emilio Laguna expansion of this model through other ( [email protected] OR regions or countries, or to other Laguna, E. 1999. The Plant Micro- [email protected]), Gabriel Ballester, Reserves Programme in the Region of Carlos Fabregat, Amparo Olivares, Lluis taxonomic groups (i.e., invertebrates) Valencia, Spain. pp. 181-186 in SYNGE, Serra, Vicente Deltoro, Joan Perez- can be foreseen during the next few H., & AKEROYD, J.: Planta Europa, Botella, Patricia Perez-Rovira & Javier years. Proceedings of the Second European Ranz. Generalitat Valenciana, Conference on the Conservation of Wild Conselleria de Medi Ambient, Servicio References Plants. Plantlife and The Swedish de Conservacion y Gestion de la Threetened Species Unit. London and Biodiversidad, Valencia, Spain. Akeroyd, J. 1998. Micro-reserves capture Uppsala.
Re-introduction of Lysimachia minoricensis in Minorca, Balearic Islands
ysimachia minoricensis Rodr. due to the drought and some chosen J. J. (Primulaceae), is an sites being too dry for Lysimachia L endemic plant from Minorca minoricensis. This conclusion was which was discovered and described reached by evaluating the two sites by J. J. Rodriguez Femenias in 1878. where plantlets survived as not being Rodriguez classified it as a very rare very shady but with the soil having a and localised plant found in one shady constant moisture level through out location in “Son Boter” within the “Sa the year. Vall” gully. Since 1926, this plant has not been found again, either in its The results of the first sowing were original locality, or in any other parts uncertain due to the possible changes Lysimachia minoricensis of Minorca. The only plants known to in the habitat over the years. One exist were those cultivated in botanic place where the plantlets survived gardens. Its original causes of was in a slope with burned brambles. six months later these plants have extinction has been probably due to To date 16 sites have been sown and grown very well and most of them changes in its original habitat such as in the autumn of 1993 four new sites have flowered and produced seeds. fires, overgrazing and deforestation. near streams were sown, but they All the sites with mature plants have were all washed away, by heavy been supplemented with the floods. From all these sowings there mycorhizated plants and in the Re-introduction are two sites with mature plants and in inmediate future we will undertake one site they have flowered and more supplementation exercises with program produced seeds during 1995. Seeds these mycorhizated plants. were dispersed naturally around the The Sóller Botanic Garden in plants and some were collected to be Conclusion Mallorca, Balearic Islands started a sown in three sites with conditions re-introduction program in 1993, to re- similar to the source plant and two of Finally, the second phase of the re- introduce poplations of Lysimachia these have young plants growing. introduction plan is to analyze the minoricensis to the wild, in its original genetic variability of the populations of locality. These sites had to be in Fungal innoculation Lysimachia minoricensis growing in places with a suitable habitat. It was various botanic gardens. Our aim is to also decided to establish several Finally in 1996, a new method select a good sample of plants with stable populations which would allow involving the re-introduction of mature hight variability and to introduce them the spread of new colonies thus plants inoculated with a into the stable populations in Minorca. ensuring natural re-colonization. endomycorhizic arbuscular fungus
has been initiated. The fungus Contributed by P. Fraga, M. Vicens and Three gullies from the southern part of Glomus fasciculatum (Thaxter) was J. LL. Gradaille, Sóller Botanic Garden, Minorca Island have been chosen and multiplied from a stump found in a Sóller, Balears, Spain, e-mail: one is the original locality of rhizosphere of Olea europaea var. [email protected] Lysimachia minoricensis in an area sylvestris in a community of Oleo- known as “Sa Vall”. In each gully, five ceratonion from the Balearic Islands. different points have been selected for This new method has been possible sowing the seeds with habitat similar thanks to “BIORIZA”, a nursery to the original site. The first seeds specialising in Mediterranean plants. were sown at the beginning of 1993 with good germination, but due to an They have cultivated the extremely dry year with little rain, most mycorhizated plants from seeds of the plantlets died. This failure was inoculated with the fungus spores and
21 Re-introduction NEWS No. 20 August 2001
Reptiles
Turks and Caicos Iguana Rescue and Restoration Program, Caribbean
Project partners habitation of the cay. conditions, and it will allow individual as well as population level monitoring Zoological Society of San Diego, In 2001, San Diego Zoo ecologists of survival, growth, and reproduction Turks and Caicos Department of Glenn Gerber and Allison Alberts will so that translocation success can be Environment and Coastal Resources, initiate an in-depth research and related to differences among Turks and Caicos National Trust, conservation program to relocate translocation cays. IUCN/SSC Iguana Specialist Group. approximately 900 of these animals to eight uninhabited cays in the region. Together with the Turks and Caicos The Turks and Caicos iguana The cays selected for translocation National Trust and the Department of (Cyclura carinata) is the smallest of are currently free of iguanas and Environment and Coastal Resources, the Caribbean rock iguanas and introduced mammals, contained within Zoological Society staff will carry out consequently the most vulnerable to the Turks and Caicos reserve system, long-term ecological monitoring of introduced mammalian predators and and possess adequate habitat to restored populations, nutritional competitors. Once widespread support healthy populations of analysis of food plants on Big throughout the Turks and Caicos iguanas. All translocated iguanas will Ambergris and translocation cays, Islands, the species now occupies be sexed, measured, and health and endocrine evaluations, less than 5% of its historic range and permanently marked with individually genetic studies and educational island populations continue to be lost identifiable tags. To maximize the outreach. The data collected will allow at an alarming rate, primarily due to reproductive potential of the us to better determine the range of the continued spread of introduced translocated populations, only adult factors most important for successful mammals. At present, 30% of the iguanas will be moved and an equal translocations. This will not only be remaining individuals of this species sex ratio will be maintained. To avoid useful to future conservation efforts inhabit Big Ambergris Cay, which is overcrowding and encourage rapid for this species, but it will also have privately owned and slated for population growth, each island will be implications for conservation efforts extensive development. Without stocked to 80% of its potential adult for similar species. active intervention, many if not most carrying capacity, determined by of the 18,500 iguanas inhabiting Big island size and habitat quality. This Contributed by Allison Alberts, CRES, Ambergris will be destroyed during approach will ensure that populations Zoological Society of San Diego, San development and subsequent start under optimum and equivalent Diego, USA, e- mail: [email protected]
Legal Issues
Ecological and legal considerations for re-introduction of Mammals in Europe, with a UK Case Study
Article based on MSc Dissertation of the within National legislation is typically The stipulations of international same name by Graham S Davison of less so. The EU Species and Habitats instruments such as the Berne, Bonn, Nottingham University, England. Directive constitutes the single biggest Biodiversity, Barcelona and Alpine Dissertation completed September 2000. source of support, but it should be Conventions are considerably less The research was prompted by the increase in re-introduction practice and noted that even this instrument places rigorous, and almost certainly viewed legal machinery supporting re-introduction little real pressure on States to carry with less trepidation than the for conservation. The aim was to bring the out re-introductions. The onus is only Directives of Europe. Having said this, reader up to date with the legislature on ‘consideration where appropriate’, the effect of these legal instruments is affecting European mammal reintroduction, hence discretion remains paramount. a cumulative one, and whilst with a brief overview of European projects There is no list of species that must individually they amount to and a specific look at the UK situation. be re-introduced to specific countries, comparatively little, their combined and nor is there any associated action signifies a strong body of egal espousal of re- timescale. Moreover, there no support. The very fact that re- introductions is now enforcement machinery in place for introduction is mentioned explicitly in considerable at both countries that fail to carry out so many legal instruments is a clear International and European approved projects. reflection that the issue has Llevels. However, explicit backing considerable support from States.
22 Re-introduction NEWS No. 20 August 2001
Furthermore, mammal re- through re-creation of native Scottish boar release has been introductions have been carried out ecosystems and reintroduction of suggested, although with Beaver re- voluntarily by a large number of native fauna. Mammals with introduction already hastening European powers. Even the normally significantly reduced British towards its final stages, Scottish conservative UK appears to be taking distributions, such as red squirrel, Natural Heritage will be under little up the challenge, albeit with a low-risk pine marten, wild cat, polecat and pressure to carry out any further venture (beaver re-introduction). otter are the most justifiable projects for some time. candidates for our attention. They are In the past, re-introduction failure has also the most likely to succeed, given Wolves or indeed any other been manifestly apparent but that their impact on the British historically native carnivores would knowledge and experience backed by countryside is already well represent a highly controversial British ever more pertinent guidelines has understood. re-introduction proposal, and one I meant that success is becoming more cannot see occurring in the near frequent. The combined protection Noting that the historically native future. Indeed such a re-introduction afforded by regional legislation and species frequently incited for a return could well be detrimental to the conservation schemes such as to Britain (beaver, boar, and wolf) are fortunes of the animal in question. NATURA 2000 has undoubtedly currently expanding their range in Public antipathy would be a serious increased the viability of European re- Europe the argument that a re- issue that could very possibly lead to introductions as a whole. The introduction would significantly vigilante killings. Wolves have a well- challenge now remains for States to improve their conservation status is known penchant for killing domestic liase for harmonisation of tenuous to say the least. However, pets, which would certainly lead to a international, European and national this is probably not the main reason public outcry whipped up further by legislation, thus ensuring the that re-introduction might occur. The the national press. If wolf conservation maximum benefit to conservation. restoration of desirable and non- is a serious goal in Europe then controversial ecosystems, public wolves need as much good press as Given that several of the animals demand, and an easy adherence to they can get. The British attitude is proposed for re-introduction to the UK the small pressure from International perhaps an extreme example of are not yet extinct in Europe, it would and European law are more likely carnivore intolerance but in many seem more sensible to direct available enticements. The British Government respects, it is a microcosm of views cash into protecting the animals within (or indeed its devolved conservation widely held across Europe. Even with their existing habitats, rather than authorities) has no real record of the full backing of ecologists, as well attempting expensive re-introduction daring conservation practice on its as international and European law, projects in a country which in many own shores, and it is unlikely to unless a low-risk strategy for ways is not well suited to their return. support any activity that will arouse carnivore re-introduction can be found The historically native animals, such public antagonism or be perceived as that incorporates the concerns of as beaver, wolf and boar, commonly a frivolous use of monetary resources. livestock owners and the general considered for reintroduction have not On these grounds, the beaver is the public this support will count for very been found here for several hundred obvious choice for a mammal re- little. Thus, whilst European mammal years. An argument runs that they can introduction. By contrast, it is hard to reintroduction has undoubtedly come no longer fill the same niche that they believe that English Nature would a long way since its first emergence, once did due to the extensive ever have deliberately released boar, there is still a long way to go before its fragmentation of the countryside, lack owing to the potential for damage and full potential can be realised. of suitable habitat and increased public confrontation they would threats from roads and urbanisation. engender. However, the boar is here Contributed by Graham Davison, Moreover, one of the most important now, and as yet there seems no real Gloucestershire, UK, e- mail: pre-requisites for a return is the consensus on what to do with it. A [email protected] removal of the initial causes of extinction. It would be imprudent to believe that the public refusal to live peacefully alongside ‘destructive’ Miscellaneous carnivores has disappeared. Whilst many would like to see Britain’s native fauna restored to its former glory, the RSG e-mail listserver rationale behind this must be questioned. n RSG list-server was set conference and meeting up through the SSC/IUCN announcements, job vacancies and The real question concerns the future offices in Gland, information requests on specific re- visualization for British landscapes Switzerland. This list-server introduction projects. We hope this list th and ecosystems. A conservative wasA started on 5 November 2000 will develop further and look forward approach would be one in which we and as of 28th March 2001 a total of to active participation by subscribers. strive to maintain what we already 116 messages have been posted. The have, and this seems a minimum list-server now has 114 subscribed To join the list please send a blank e- requirement. However, a more members. mail message to PSoorae@erwda. exciting and proactive conservation gov.ae with “Enroll RSG List” in the approach would be to try to restore at Messages have ranged from general subject heading. least a part of what once existed, information on re-introductions,
23 Re-introduction NEWS No. 20 August 2001
Book Review
Post-mortem procedures for wildlife veterinarians and field biologists, M. H. Woodford (Ed.)
This 55 page booklet is divided into four sections and relevant appendices. The four sections cover: i) preparing for a post-mortem examination, ii) post-mortem procedures, iii) the collection and field preservation of biological and pathological specimens, and iv) a guide to post-mortem procedures and a review of pathological processes identified in the African elephant.
The appendices contain useful information on preservative formulations, a post-mortem record, a laboratory specimen record, a checklist for fixed tissues, suggested specimens and minimum quantities to submit for toxicological examinations and checklist for parasites of wild animals.
As mentioned in the introduction by M. H. Woodford, "The purpose of this booklet is to assist the wildlife veterinarian, game biologist or game warden in the performance of a thorough post-mortem examination and in the correct selection of pathological specimens for analysis in the laboratory". This booklet is a joint publication of the Office International des Epizooties, Care for the Wild International and IUCN/SSC Veterinary Specialist Group.
This booklet is a useful field companion and is an important addition to the libraries of veterinarians and field biologists and is available from Care for the Wild, Ashfolds, Rusper, West Sussex, RH12 4QX, UK. The price is US$ 7.50 or £ 5 inclusive of postage.
Publications
Osborne, P. E. & Martin, A. 2001. de Przewalski: Takh, WWF office Dunham, K. M. 2000. Dispersal Reintroduction of the great bustard to Mongolia. patterns of mountain gazelles Gazella Britain: a discussion paper. gazella released in Central Arabia. Consultancy Report to the Great Temsiripong, Y. 2001. Reintroduction Journal of Arid Environments 44: 247- Bustard Working Group, Department of the Siamese crocodile. Newsletter 258 of Environmental Science, University of the Crocodile Specialist Group, Vol. of Sterling, Scotland. 20(1): 10-12 Davison, G. 1999-2000. Ecological and legal considerations for the re- EMOA. 2001. The introduction to and Bau, L. M. 2001. Behavioural ecology introduction of mammals in Europe, management of elephant in confined of re-introduced beavers (Castor fiber) with a UK case study. A Dissertation areas. Elephant Management & in Klosterheden State Forest, for the Masters Degree of Law and Owners Association (EMOA) Policy, Denmark, Unpublished MSc Thesis, Environmental Science, University of P.O. Box 98, Vaalwater 0530, South Department of Animal Behaviour, Nottingham. Africa. University of Copenhagen. Dunham, K. 1998. The release of Dunham, K. M. 2001. Status of a Cade. T. J. 2000. Progress in captive-bred animals to reintroduce reintroduced population of mountain translocation of diurnal raptors, Mountain gazelles (Gazella gazella) to gazelles (Gazella gazella) in Central Chancellor, R. D. &B. –U. Meyburg Central Arabia. Reprinted from: Arabia: management lessons from an (Eds.) Raptors at Risk,WWGBP/ UNEP/CMS, ed. Proceedings of the aridland reintroduction, Oryx, Vol. 35 Hancock House. pp. 342-372 Seminar on the conservation and (2) 111-118 restoration of Sahelo-Saharan Klaus, S. & Graf, K. 2000. Russian Antelopes, Djerba, Tunisia. Feh, C. 2001. Re-introduction of takh capercaillie Tetrao urogallus from the Convention of Migratory Species or Przewalski horses (Equus wild released into Thuringian forests. Technical Series Publication No. 3. przewalski) to the Khomiin Tal Buffer Grouse News, Newsletter of the UNEP/CMS Secretariat, Bonn, Zone (Khar Us Nuur National Park, Grouse Specialist Group, No. 19 Germany. Mongolia). Association pour le cheval
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