Re-introduction NEWS No. 21 June 2002 1 Re-introduction NEWS No. 21 June 2002 2 Re-introduction NEWS No. 21 June 2002 IUCN/SSC Re-introduction Specialist Group: Guidelines for Nonhuman Primate Re-introductions Prepared by the Re-introduction Specialist Group of The World Conservation Union (IUCN) Species Survival Commission (SSC) Edited by Lynne R. Baker 3 Re-introduction NEWS No. 21 June 2002 CONTENTS PAGE I. Executive Summary .................................................................................................................. 6 II. Context of Guidelines .............................................................................................................. 7 III. Introduction ............................................................................................................................ 7 IV. Definition of Terms ................................................................................................................ 7 Re-introduction Approaches ................................................................................................ 7 Release Strategies ................................................................................................................. 8 Release Stock Types .............................................................................................................. 8 V. Aims, Objectives, & Precautionary Principle ....................................................................... 8 VI. Planning for Re-introduction ................................................................................................ 8 A. Habitat & Release Site ................................................................................................ 9 B. Species’ Socioecology & Behaviour ........................................................................... 10 C. Socioeconomic, Financial, & Legal Requirements ................................................... 10 D. Release Stock ............................................................................................................... 11 E. Genetic Assessment ..................................................................................................... 11 VII. Disease Transmission & Veterinary Requirements .......................................................... 12 A. Management & General Considerations ................................................................... 12 B. Quarantine & Disease Screening ............................................................................... 12 C. Staff Screening & Health ........................................................................................... 41 VIII. Transport & Release Implementation ............................................................................... 15 IX. Post-Release Monitoring ........................................................................................................ 16 X. Considerations for Translocation ........................................................................................... 17 XI. Acknowledgements ................................................................................................................. 18 4 Re-introduction NEWS No. 21 June 2002 CONTENTS PAGE Annex I: Key References .............................................................................................................. 18 General Re-introduction & Translocation .......................................................................... 19 Veterinary & Capture/Transport ......................................................................................... 20 References by Region ........................................................................................................... 22 Asian Primates .......................................................................................................... 22 African Primates & Lemurs ..................................................................................... 23 Neotropical Primates ................................................................................................ 24 Annex II: Husbandry References ................................................................................................ 26 Bonobo .................................................................................................................................. 26 Chimpanzee .......................................................................................................................... 26 Cotton-Top Tamarin ............................................................................................................. 26 Golden Lion Tamarin ........................................................................................................... 27 Loris ...................................................................................................................................... 27 Mangabey .............................................................................................................................. 27 Mixed Species ....................................................................................................................... 27 Orang-utan ........................................................................................................................... 27 Annex III: Key Contacts .............................................................................................................. 28 IUCN Species Survival Commission ................................................................................... 28 CITES Secretariat ................................................................................................................ 28 IUCN/SSC Disciplinary Specialist Groups ......................................................................... 28 Primate Taxon Advisory Groups ......................................................................................... 28 Other Contacts ...................................................................................................................... 29 Annex IV: Core Review Board .................................................................................................... 30 About the IUCN/SSC Re-introduction Specialist Group .................................................... 30 Decision Tree: Nonhuman Primate Re-introductions ............................................................... 31 5 Re-introduction NEWS No. 21 June 2002 I. Executive Summary been operating for some time, so managers of these projects should attempt to integrate the guidelines as soon as possible into their current operating procedures and The IUCN/SSC Re-introduction Specialist Group: Guidelines protocol. for Nonhuman Primate Re-introductions is intended as a guide to re-introduction programmes. The priority has been Before initiating any re-introduction project, managers must to develop standards that are of direct, practical assistance clearly define why that project is needed and conduct a to those planning, approving, or implementing re- rapid overall assessment to ensure key requirements, such introductions. The primary audience of these guidelines is as habitat suitability, can likely be met. The main goal of the re-introduction practitioner. any re-introduction effort should be to re-establish self- sustaining populations of primates in the wild and to Because re-introduction projects are often restricted by maintain the viability of those populations. Although location, resources, and other limitations, this document is exceptions to this, such as trial re-introductions of common meant as a "best-practice" model, or an ideal code of species and rescue/welfare releases, should also adhere to conduct. Re-introduction managers are strongly encouraged these guidelines as much as possible, such projects are not to use this document as their principal guide to primate re- considered true re-introductions or conservation approaches introductions. and are not specifically covered in these guidelines. Each re-introduction project should develop written Re-introduction practitioners are strongly encouraged to guidelines that apply specifically to its taxon, region, legal contact the IUCN/SSC Re-introduction Specialist Group structure, etc. These customised documents should be (RSG) and present and discuss their re-introduction updated over time and eventually result in a re-introduction proposals and results (see Annex III, Page 54). As a result, manual for the taxon of interest. They should also directly a network of contacts can be developed and information relate to this existing document, so these guidelines can be from various projects shared. regularly updated with new information and techniques. Note that details regarding the care of animals held in Guidelines for Nonhuman Primate Re-introductions covers captivity prior to release, such as enclosure enrichment, are the main steps of a re-introduction effort. The steps are not specifically covered in these guidelines. However, where listed in a suggested order of execution, although some appropriate, important points regarding these topics will be steps overlap with one another (see "Basic Principles of Re- noted. introductions," below). It is realised that many projects have Basic Principles of Re-introductions (see “Decision Tree”, page 57) 1) Identify the need for re-introduction and conduct a rapid overall assessment (determine if the key requirements-habitat, socioeconomic, financial, legal, management,