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D'Agostino M, Cao Pinna L, Carboni M, Assini S, Bacchetta G, Bartolucci F, Brancaleoni L, Buldrini F, Carta A, Cerabolini B, Ceriani RM, Clementi U, Cogoni D, Conti F, Crosti R, Cuena-Lombraña A, De Vitis M, Di Giustino A, Fabrini G, Farris E, Fenu G, Fiorentin R, Foggi B, Forte L, Garfì G, Gentili R, Giusso Del Galdo GP, Martinelli V, Medagli P, Nonis D, Orsenigo S, Paoli L, Pierce S, Pinna MS, Rainini F, Ravera S, Rossi G, Schettino A, Schicchi R, Troìa A, Varone L, Zappa E, Abeli T. Best practices, errors, and perspectives of half a century of plant translocation in Italy. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2024; 38:e14233. [PMID: 38155511 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.14233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
Conservation translocations are becoming common conservation practice, so there is an increasing need to understand the drivers of plant translocation performance through reviews of cases at global and regional levels. The establishment of the Italian Database of Plant Translocation (IDPlanT) provides the opportunity to review the techniques used in 186 plant translocation cases performed in the last 50 years in the heart of the Mediterranean Biodiversity Hotspot. We described techniques and information available in IDPlanT and used these data to identify drivers of translocation outcomes. We tested the effect of 15 variables on survival of translocated propagules as of the last monitoring date with binomial logistic mixed-effect models. Eleven variables significantly affected survival of transplants: life form, site protection, material source, number of source populations, propagation methods, propagule life stage, planting methods, habitat suitability assessment, site preparation, aftercare, and costs. The integration of vegetation studies in the selection of suitable planting sites significantly increased the success of translocation efforts. Although posttranslocation watering had a generally positive effect on translocation outcome, other aftercare techniques did not always increase transplant survival. Finally, we found that how funds were spent appeared to be more important than the actual amount spent. Plant translocations in Italy and in the Mediterranean area should account for the complexity of speciation, gene flow, and plant migrations that has led to local adaptations and has important implications for the choice and constitution of source material.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Marta Carboni
- Department of Science, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Assini
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Gianluigi Bacchetta
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Bartolucci
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Barisciano, Italy
| | - Lisa Brancaleoni
- Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Buldrini
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Angelino Carta
- Department of Biology, Botany Unit, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Bruno Cerabolini
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | | | | | - Donatella Cogoni
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Fabio Conti
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Barisciano, Italy
| | | | - Alba Cuena-Lombraña
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | | | | | - Giuseppe Fabrini
- Department of Environmental Biology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuele Farris
- Department of Natural and Land Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Fenu
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | | | - Bruno Foggi
- Department of Biology, University of Firenze, Firenze, Italy
| | - Luigi Forte
- Department of Biology - Botanical Garden Museum, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Garfì
- Institute of Biosciences and BioResources, National Research Council, Palermo, Italy
| | - Rodolfo Gentili
- Department of Environmental Science, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milano, Italy
| | | | | | - Pietro Medagli
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | | | - Simone Orsenigo
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Luca Paoli
- Department of Biology, Botany Unit, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Simon Pierce
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Maria Silvia Pinna
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | | | - Sonia Ravera
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Graziano Rossi
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Rosario Schicchi
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Forest Sciences, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Angelo Troìa
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Laura Varone
- Department of Environmental Biology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Zappa
- Hanbury Botanical Gardens, University of Genova, Ventimiglia, Italy
| | - Thomas Abeli
- Department of Science, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
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Zimmerman SJ, Aldridge CL, Schroeder MA, Fike JA, Cornman RS, Oyler-McCance SJ. The potential influence of genome-wide adaptive divergence on conservation translocation outcome in an isolated greater sage-grouse population. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2024; 38:e14254. [PMID: 38563102 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.14254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Conservation translocations are an important conservation tool commonly employed to augment declining or reestablish extirpated populations. One goal of augmentation is to increase genetic diversity and reduce the risk of inbreeding depression (i.e., genetic rescue). However, introducing individuals from significantly diverged populations risks disrupting coadapted traits and reducing local fitness (i.e., outbreeding depression). Genetic data are increasingly more accessible for wildlife species and can provide unique insight regarding the presence and retention of introduced genetic variation from augmentation as an indicator of effectiveness and adaptive similarity as an indicator of source and recipient population suitability. We used 2 genetic data sets to evaluate augmentation of isolated populations of greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) in the northwestern region of the species range (Washington, USA) and to retrospectively evaluate adaptive divergence among source and recipient populations. We developed 2 statistical models for microsatellite data to evaluate augmentation outcomes. We used one model to predict genetic diversity after augmentation and compared these predictions with observations of genetic change. We used the second model to quantify the amount of observed reproduction attributed to transplants (proof of population integration). We also characterized genome-wide adaptive divergence among source and recipient populations. Observed genetic diversity (HO = 0.65) was higher in the recipient population than predicted had no augmentation occurred (HO = 0.58) but less than what was predicted by our model (HO = 0.75). The amount of shared genetic variation between the 2 geographically isolated resident populations increased, which is evidence of periodic gene flow previously assumed to be rare. Among candidate adaptive genes associated with elevated fixation index (FST) (143 genes) or local environmental variables (97 and 157 genes for each genotype-environment association method, respectively), we found clusters of genes with related functions that may influence the ability of transplants to use local resources and navigate unfamiliar environments and their reproductive potential, all possible reasons for low genetic retention from augmentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shawna J Zimmerman
- Fort Collins Science Center, U.S. Geological Survey, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Cameron L Aldridge
- Fort Collins Science Center, U.S. Geological Survey, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | | | - Jennifer A Fike
- Fort Collins Science Center, U.S. Geological Survey, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Robert Scott Cornman
- Fort Collins Science Center, U.S. Geological Survey, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Sara J Oyler-McCance
- Fort Collins Science Center, U.S. Geological Survey, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
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Bellis J, Albrecht MA, Maschinski J, Osazuwa‐Peters O, Stanley T, Heineman KD. Advancing the science and practice of rare plant conservation with the Center for Plant Conservation Reintroduction Database. APPLICATIONS IN PLANT SCIENCES 2024; 12:e11583. [PMID: 38912124 PMCID: PMC11192157 DOI: 10.1002/aps3.11583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
Premise Reintroductions or translocations are an increasingly important activity to recover and conserve at-risk plant species. Yet because many are not published in the scientific literature, learning from previous attempts may often require considerable time and effort. The Center for Plant Conservation Reintroduction Database (CPCRD; https://saveplants.org/reintroduction-database/), a new centralized and standardized repository of U.S.-based plant reintroductions, aims to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of accessing data on rare plant reintroductions. Methods The CPCRD is the product of multiple efforts to assemble information on rare plant reintroductions in the United States. The database comprises a wealth of standardized data on the key stages of a reintroduction, from the planning and implementation phases, to monitoring and management techniques. Results The CPCRD is a dynamic resource, allowing data contributors to continually update their entries as projects progress. While contributions are ongoing, the CPCRD currently includes 460 projects involving 201 plant taxa, spanning diverse growth forms, ecosystems, and regions. Discussion The CPCRD and its well-documented and monitored projects provide a valuable practical resource for conservation practitioners, and have supported multiple scientific studies and contributed to the internationally recognized Center for Plant Conservation Best Practices Guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joe Bellis
- Center for Plant Conservation15600 San Pasqual Valley RoadEscondido92027CaliforniaUSA
| | - Matthew A. Albrecht
- Center for Conservation and Sustainable DevelopmentMissouri Botanical GardenSt. Louis63110MissouriUSA
| | - Joyce Maschinski
- Center for Plant Conservation15600 San Pasqual Valley RoadEscondido92027CaliforniaUSA
| | - Oyomoare Osazuwa‐Peters
- Department of Population Health SciencesDuke University School of MedicineDurham27701North CarolinaUSA
| | - Tina Stanley
- Center for Plant Conservation15600 San Pasqual Valley RoadEscondido92027CaliforniaUSA
| | - Katherine D. Heineman
- Center for Plant Conservation15600 San Pasqual Valley RoadEscondido92027CaliforniaUSA
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Warne RK, Chaber AL. Assessing Disease Risks in Wildlife Translocation Projects: A Comprehensive Review of Disease Incidents. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3379. [PMID: 37958133 PMCID: PMC10649731 DOI: 10.3390/ani13213379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Although translocation projects have been instrumental in the supplementation or restoration of some wild populations, they also carry a large risk of disease transmission to native and translocated animals. This study systematically reviewed conservation translocation projects to identify projects that met the criteria for a translocation significant disease incursion (TSDI), whereby the translocation resulted in negative population growth rates or the failure of populations to grow due to an infectious disease-either in the native or translocated species. In doing so, risk factors for these incidents could be identified. Analysis of the resulting 30 TSDIs demonstrated that there was equal representation of TSDIs using wild-caught and captive-bred animals. Additionally, the type of pathogen predisposed in a TSDI was more likely a result of the animal group translocated (e.g., fungal pathogens were more likely to be detected in amphibian translocations) and it was nearly five times more likely for a disease to be encountered by a translocated species than for a disease to be introduced to a native population. However, there are numerous project-specific predisposing factors for TSDIs, and therefore it is essential that future translocation projects conduct thorough disease risk analysis as well as report their outcomes for the benefit of their own and future translocations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anne-Lise Chaber
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Mudla Wirra Road, Roseworthy, SA 5371, Australia
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Fleitz J, Enstipp MR, Parent E, Jumeau J, Handrich Y, Tissier ML. Improving the success of reinforcement programs: effects of a two-week confinement in a field enclosure on the anti-predator behaviour of captive-bred European hamsters. PeerJ 2023; 11:e15812. [PMID: 37671364 PMCID: PMC10476607 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.15812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Captive breeding programs are an important pillar in biodiversity conservation, aiming to prevent the extinction of threatened species. However, the establishment of self-sustaining populations in the wild through the release of captive-bred animals is often hampered by a high mortality upon release. In this study, we investigated how a 2-week confinement period within a large field enclosure affected the anti-predator behaviour of 'naive' captive-bred hamsters and how potential modifications persisted over time. During three consecutive tests, hamsters were confronted with a moving predator model (a red fox mount, Vulpes vulpes) and their behaviour was filmed. After the initial round of confrontation with the predator model, one group of hamsters (field group) was released into a field enclosure protected from predators, while the other group (control) remained in their individual laboratory cages. After 2 weeks, hamsters from the field group were recaptured and individuals of both groups underwent a second confrontation test. A total of 1 month after their return from the field enclosure, field hamsters were subjected to a last confrontation test. Video analysis, investigating four behavioural variables, revealed that field hamsters significantly modified their behavioural response following the 2 weeks confinement in the enclosure, while this was not the case for control hamsters. In addition, most behavioural modifications in field hamsters persisted over 1 month, while others started to revert. We suggest that an appropriate pre-release period inside a field enclosure will enable naive (captive-bred) hamsters to develop an adequate anti-predator behaviour that will increase their immediate survival probability upon release into the wild. We believe that such measure will be of great importance for hamster conservation programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Fleitz
- Department of Ecology, Physiology and Ethology, Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, IPHC UMR 7178, Strasbourg, France
- Société Cofiroute, Strasbourg, France
| | - Manfred R. Enstipp
- Department of Ecology, Physiology and Ethology, Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, IPHC UMR 7178, Strasbourg, France
| | - Emilie Parent
- Department of Ecology, Physiology and Ethology, Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, IPHC UMR 7178, Strasbourg, France
| | - Jonathan Jumeau
- Collectivité Européenne d’Alsace, CERISE, Strasbourg, France
| | - Yves Handrich
- Department of Ecology, Physiology and Ethology, Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, IPHC UMR 7178, Strasbourg, France
| | - Mathilde L. Tissier
- Department of Biological Sciences, Bishop’s University, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
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Cavedon M, Neufeld L, Finnegan L, Hervieux D, Michalak A, Pelletier A, Polfus J, Schwantje H, Skinner G, Steenweg R, Thacker C, Poissant J, Musiani M. Genomics of founders for conservation breeding: the Jasper caribou case. CONSERV GENET 2023; 24:855-867. [PMID: 37969360 PMCID: PMC10638200 DOI: 10.1007/s10592-023-01540-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
Conservation breeding programs are increasingly used as recovery actions for wild animals; bringing founders into captivity to rear captive populations for future reintroduction into the wild. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature recommends that founders should come from genetically close populations and should have sufficient genetic diversity to avoid mating among relatives. Genomic data are highly informative for evaluating founders due to their high resolution and ability to capture adaptive divergence, yet, their application in that context remains limited. Woodland caribou are federally listed as a Species at Risk in Canada, with several populations facing extirpation, such as those in the Rocky Mountains of Alberta and British Columbia (BC). To prevent local extirpation, Jasper National Park (JNP) is proposing a conservation breeding program. We examined single nucleotide polymorphisms for 144 caribou from 11 populations encompassing a 200,0002 km area surrounding JNP to provide information useful for identifying appropriate founders for this program. We found that this area likely hosts a caribou metapopulation historically characterized by high levels of gene flow, which indicates that multiple sources of founders would be appropriate for initiating a breeding program. However, population structure and adaptive divergence analyses indicate that JNP caribou are closest to populations in the BC Columbia range, which also have suitable genetic diversity for conservation breeding. We suggest that collaboration among jurisdictions would be beneficial to implement the program to promote recovery of JNP caribou and possibly other caribou populations in the surrounding area, which is strategically at the periphery of the distribution of this endangered species. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10592-023-01540-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Cavedon
- Deparment of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4 Canada
| | - Lalenia Neufeld
- Jasper National Park of Canada, Parks Canada, Jasper, Canada
| | - Laura Finnegan
- fRI Research, 1176 Switzer Drive, Hinton, AB T7V 1V3 Canada
| | - Dave Hervieux
- Fish and Wildlife Stewardship Branch, Alberta Environment and Protected Areas, Grande Prairie, AB T8V 6J4 Canada
| | - Anita Michalak
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4 Canada
| | - Agnes Pelletier
- Ministry of Land, Water and Resource Stewardship Northeast Region, 400-10003-110Th Avenue, Fort St. John, BC V1J 6M7 Canada
| | - Jean Polfus
- Canadian Wildlife Service – Pacific Region, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 1238 Discovery Ave, Kelowna, BC V1V 1V9 Canada
| | - Helen Schwantje
- Wildlife and Habitat Branch, Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, Government of British Columbia, 2080 Labieux Road, Nanaimo, BC V9T 6J 9 Canada
| | - Geoff Skinner
- Jasper National Park of Canada, Parks Canada, Jasper, Canada
| | - Robin Steenweg
- Canadian Wildlife Service – Pacific Region, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 1238 Discovery Ave, Kelowna, BC V1V 1V9 Canada
| | - Caeley Thacker
- Wildlife and Habitat Branch, Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, Government of British Columbia, 2080 Labieux Road, Nanaimo, BC V9T 6J 9 Canada
| | - Jocelyn Poissant
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4 Canada
| | - Marco Musiani
- Dipartimento Scienze Biologiche Geologiche Ambientali, Università Di Bologna, Via Zamboni, 33 - 40126 Bologna, Italia
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Lloyd NA, Keating LM, Friesen AJ, Cole DM, McPherson JM, Akçakaya HR, Moehrenschlager A. Prioritizing species conservation programs based on IUCN Green Status and estimates of cost-sharing potential. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2023; 37:e14051. [PMID: 36661059 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.14051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Over 1 million species around the world are at risk of extinction, and conservation organizations have to decide where to invest their limited resources. Cost-effectiveness can be increased by leveraging funding opportunities and increasing collaborative partnerships to achieve shared conservation goals. We devised a structured decision-making framework to prioritize species' conservation programs based on a cost-benefit analysis that takes collaborative opportunities into account in an examination of national and global conservation return on investment. Conservation benefit is determined by modifying the novel International Union for the Conservation of Nature Green Status for Species to provide an efficient, high-level measure that is comparable among species, even with limited information and time constraints. We applied this prioritization approach to the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo, Canada, a nonprofit organization seeking to increase the number of species it assists with conservation translocations. We sought to identify and prioritize additional species' programs for which conservation translocation expertise and actions could make the most impact. Estimating the likelihood of cost-sharing potential enabled total program cost to be distinguished from costs specific to the organization. Comparing a benefit-to-cost ratio on different geographic scales allowed decision makers to weigh alternative options for investing in new species' programs in a transparent and effective manner. Our innovative analysis aligns with general conservation planning frameworks and can be adapted for any organization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha A Lloyd
- Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- IUCN Species Survival Commission Conservation Translocation Specialist Group, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | | | | | - Dylan M Cole
- Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | | | - H Resit Akçakaya
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
- IUCN Species Survival Commission, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Axel Moehrenschlager
- Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- IUCN Species Survival Commission Conservation Translocation Specialist Group, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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8
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Keating LM, Randall L, Stanton R, McCormack C, Lucid M, Seaborn T, Converse SJ, Canessa S, Moehrenschlager A. Using Decision Analysis to Determine the Feasibility of a Conservation Translocation. DECISION ANALYSIS 2023. [DOI: 10.1287/deca.2023.0472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
Conservation translocations, intentional movements of species to protect against extinction, have become widespread in recent decades and are projected to increase further as biodiversity loss continues worldwide. The literature abounds with analyses to inform translocations and assess whether they are successful, but the fundamental question of whether they should be initiated at all is rarely addressed formally. We used decision analysis to assess northern leopard frog reintroduction in northern Idaho, with success defined as a population that persists for at least 50 years. The Idaho Department of Fish and Game was the decision maker (i.e., the agency that will use this assessment to inform their decisions). Stakeholders from government, indigenous groups, academia, land management agencies, and conservation organizations also participated. We built an age-structured population model to predict how management alternatives would affect probability of success. In the model, we explicitly represented epistemic uncertainty around a success criterion (probability of persistence) characterized by aleatory uncertainty. For the leading alternative, the mean probability of persistence was 40%. The distribution of the modelling results was bimodal, with most parameter combinations resulting in either very low (<5%) or relatively high (>95%) probabilities of success. Along with other considerations, including cost, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game will use this assessment to inform a decision regarding reintroduction of northern leopard frogs. Conservation translocations may benefit greatly from more widespread use of decision analysis to counter the complexity and uncertainty inherent in these decisions. History: This paper has been accepted for the Decision Analysis Special Issue on Further Environmental Sustainability. Funding: This work was supported by the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service [Grant F18AS00095], the NSF Idaho EPSCoR Program and the National Science Foundation [Grant OIA-1757324], and the Hunt Family Foundation. Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/deca.2023.0472 .
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9
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Dando TR, Crowley SL, Young RP, Carter SP, McDonald RA. Social feasibility assessments in conservation translocations. Trends Ecol Evol 2022; 38:459-472. [PMID: 36567154 DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2022.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Improving the effectiveness of conservation translocations could contribute to reversing global biodiversity loss. Although evaluations of ecological factors affecting translocation outcomes are commonplace, consideration of human social factors remains rare, hindering improvements to this conservation practice. We analysed 550 translocation case studies to explore the inclusion of social factors in project feasibility assessments. Reviewed projects often failed to assess social feasibility, and assessments, where attempted, tended to be narrow in scope. Consequently, challenges such as proactively addressing conflict often remained unaddressed. Insufficient knowledge sharing and prioritisation of ecological feasibility, to the detriment of social feasibility, remain barriers to effective planning. Successful outcomes of translocations are linked to early assessment of social feasibility and to the establishment of long-term commitments between people, places, and partners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas R Dando
- Environment and Sustainability Institute, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn TR10 9EZ, Cornwall, UK.
| | - Sarah L Crowley
- Centre for Geography and Environmental Science, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn TR10 9EZ, Cornwall, UK
| | - Richard P Young
- Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, Les Augrès Manor, Trinity, Jersey JE3 5BP, Channel Islands
| | - Stephen P Carter
- Vincent Wildlife Trust, 3 and 4 Bronsil Courtyard, Eastnor, Ledbury HR8 1EP, Herefordshire, UK
| | - Robbie A McDonald
- Environment and Sustainability Institute, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn TR10 9EZ, Cornwall, UK.
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10
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Burgmeier NG, McCallen EB, Kenison EK, Williams RN. Comparing the Effects of Environmental Enrichment, Seasonality, and Soft Release on Site Retention and Survivorship of Captive-Reared Eastern Hellbenders (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis alleganiensis). HERPETOLOGICA 2022. [DOI: 10.1655/herpetologica-d-21-00014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas G. Burgmeier
- Purdue University, Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, 715 West State Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Emily B. McCallen
- Purdue University, Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, 715 West State Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Erin K. Kenison
- Purdue University, Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, 715 West State Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Rod N. Williams
- Purdue University, Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, 715 West State Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
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11
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Stepkovitch B, Kingsford RT, Moseby KE. A comprehensive review of mammalian carnivore translocations. Mamm Rev 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/mam.12304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ben Stepkovitch
- Centre for Ecosystem Science School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences UNSW Sydney New South Wales 2052 Australia
| | - Richard T. Kingsford
- Centre for Ecosystem Science School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences UNSW Sydney New South Wales 2052 Australia
| | - Katherine E. Moseby
- Centre for Ecosystem Science School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences UNSW Sydney New South Wales 2052 Australia
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12
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Castellón TD, Deyle AC, Farmer AL, Bauder JM, Roznik EA, Johnson SA. Effects of Translocation on Gopher Frog Survival and Movement. HERPETOLOGICA 2022. [DOI: 10.1655/herpetologica-d-20-00061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Traci D. Castellón
- Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 1105 South West Williston Road, Gainesville, FL 32601, USA
| | - Anna C. Deyle
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 1239 Southwest 10th Street, Ocala, FL 34471, USA
| | - Anna L. Farmer
- Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 1105 South West Williston Road, Gainesville, FL 32601, USA
| | - Javan M. Bauder
- Department of Environmental Conservation, University of Massachusetts, 160 Holdsworth Way, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | | | - Steve A. Johnson
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, 222 Criser Hall, PO Box 114000, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
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Healy BD, Budy P, Conner MM, Omana Smith EC. Life and death in a dynamic environment: Invasive trout, floods, and intraspecific drivers of translocated populations. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2022. [PMID: 35403769 DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.c.5805593.v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the relative strengths of intrinsic and extrinsic factors regulating populations is a long-standing focus of ecology and critical to advancing conservation programs for imperiled species. Conservation could benefit from an increased understanding of factors influencing vital rates (somatic growth, recruitment, survival) in small, translocated populations, which is lacking owing to difficulties in long-term monitoring of rare species. Translocations, here defined as the transfer of wild-captured individuals from source populations to new habitats, are widely used for species conservation, but outcomes are often minimally monitored, and translocations that are monitored often fail. To improve our understanding of how translocated populations respond to environmental variation, we developed and tested hypotheses related to intrinsic (density dependent) and extrinsic (introduced rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss, stream flow and temperature regime) causes of vital rate variation in endangered humpback chub (Gila cypha) populations translocated to Colorado River tributaries in the Grand Canyon (GC), USA. Using biannual recapture data from translocated populations over 10 years, we tested hypotheses related to seasonal somatic growth, and recruitment and population growth rates with linear mixed-effects models and temporal symmetry mark-recapture models. We combined data from recaptures and resights of dispersed fish (both physical captures and continuously recorded antenna detections) from throughout GC to test survival hypotheses, while accounting for site fidelity, using joint live-recapture/live-resight models. While recruitment only occurred in one site, which also drove population growth (relative to survival), evidence supported hypotheses related to density dependence in growth, survival, and recruitment, and somatic growth and recruitment were further limited by introduced trout. Mixed-effects models explained between 67% and 86% of the variation in somatic growth, which showed increased growth rates with greater flood-pulse frequency during monsoon season. Monthly survival was 0.56-0.99 and 0.80-0.99 in the two populations, with lower survival during periods of higher intraspecific abundance and low flood frequency. Our results suggest translocations can contribute toward the recovery of large-river fishes, but continued suppression of invasive fishes to enhance recruitment may be required to ensure population resilience. Furthermore, we demonstrate the importance of flooding to population demographics in food-depauperate, dynamic, invaded systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian D Healy
- Department of Watershed Sciences and the Ecology Center, Utah State University, Logan, Utah, USA
- Native Fish Ecology and Conservation Program, Division of Science and Resource Management, Grand Canyon National Park, National Park Service, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA
| | - Phaedra Budy
- Department of Watershed Sciences and the Ecology Center, Utah State University, Logan, Utah, USA
- United States Geological Survey, Utah Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Watershed Sciences, Utah State University, Logan, Utah, USA
| | - Mary M Conner
- Department of Wildland Resources and the Ecology Center, Utah State University, Logan, Utah, USA
| | - Emily C Omana Smith
- Native Fish Ecology and Conservation Program, Division of Science and Resource Management, Grand Canyon National Park, National Park Service, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA
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14
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Healy BD, Budy P, Conner MM, Omana Smith EC. Life and death in a dynamic environment: Invasive trout, floods, and intraspecific drivers of translocated populations. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2022; 32:e2635. [PMID: 35403769 PMCID: PMC9541007 DOI: 10.1002/eap.2635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the relative strengths of intrinsic and extrinsic factors regulating populations is a long-standing focus of ecology and critical to advancing conservation programs for imperiled species. Conservation could benefit from an increased understanding of factors influencing vital rates (somatic growth, recruitment, survival) in small, translocated populations, which is lacking owing to difficulties in long-term monitoring of rare species. Translocations, here defined as the transfer of wild-captured individuals from source populations to new habitats, are widely used for species conservation, but outcomes are often minimally monitored, and translocations that are monitored often fail. To improve our understanding of how translocated populations respond to environmental variation, we developed and tested hypotheses related to intrinsic (density dependent) and extrinsic (introduced rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss, stream flow and temperature regime) causes of vital rate variation in endangered humpback chub (Gila cypha) populations translocated to Colorado River tributaries in the Grand Canyon (GC), USA. Using biannual recapture data from translocated populations over 10 years, we tested hypotheses related to seasonal somatic growth, and recruitment and population growth rates with linear mixed-effects models and temporal symmetry mark-recapture models. We combined data from recaptures and resights of dispersed fish (both physical captures and continuously recorded antenna detections) from throughout GC to test survival hypotheses, while accounting for site fidelity, using joint live-recapture/live-resight models. While recruitment only occurred in one site, which also drove population growth (relative to survival), evidence supported hypotheses related to density dependence in growth, survival, and recruitment, and somatic growth and recruitment were further limited by introduced trout. Mixed-effects models explained between 67% and 86% of the variation in somatic growth, which showed increased growth rates with greater flood-pulse frequency during monsoon season. Monthly survival was 0.56-0.99 and 0.80-0.99 in the two populations, with lower survival during periods of higher intraspecific abundance and low flood frequency. Our results suggest translocations can contribute toward the recovery of large-river fishes, but continued suppression of invasive fishes to enhance recruitment may be required to ensure population resilience. Furthermore, we demonstrate the importance of flooding to population demographics in food-depauperate, dynamic, invaded systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian D. Healy
- Department of Watershed Sciences and the Ecology CenterUtah State UniversityLoganUtahUSA
- Native Fish Ecology and Conservation Program, Division of Science and Resource ManagementGrand Canyon National Park, National Park ServiceFlagstaffArizonaUSA
| | - Phaedra Budy
- Department of Watershed Sciences and the Ecology CenterUtah State UniversityLoganUtahUSA
- United States Geological Survey, Utah Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Watershed SciencesUtah State UniversityLoganUtahUSA
| | - Mary M. Conner
- Department of Wildland Resources and the Ecology CenterUtah State UniversityLoganUtahUSA
| | - Emily C. Omana Smith
- Native Fish Ecology and Conservation Program, Division of Science and Resource ManagementGrand Canyon National Park, National Park ServiceFlagstaffArizonaUSA
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15
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Novak BJ, Phelan R, Weber M. Response to Strayer (2022). CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.12796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
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16
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Functional representativeness and distinctiveness of reintroduced birds and mammals in Europe. Sci Rep 2022; 12:4081. [PMID: 35260728 PMCID: PMC8904635 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-07991-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Reintroduction, the human-mediated movement of organisms to re-establish locally extinct populations, has become a popular conservation tool. However, because reintroductions often focus on local or national conservation issues, their contribution to the conservation of biodiversity at large scale remains unclear. While taxonomic biases have already been identified in reintroduction programs at regional scales, studies have stressed the need to account for other facets of biodiversity when assessing the relevance of the allocation of conservation efforts. In particular, it may be very fruitful to discriminate if and how such taxonomic biases may influence the functional complementarity of reintroduction targets, and to which extent reintroduction practitioners may have focused on species performing more singular functions than others. Here, we investigate the diversity of functional traits supported by reintroduced species of terrestrial birds and mammals in Europe. For each taxonomic group, we explored the functional representativeness of reintroduction targets at the European scale, i.e., whether species involved in reintroduction programs collectively represent the range of functional trait variation observed in the regional assemblage. Because additional conservation value could have been given by practitioners to species performing singular functions, we also measured the functional distinctiveness of reintroduced species. We found that reintroductions of birds did not focus on functionally distinct species, and that the subset of reintroduced birds is representative of the functional diversity at a continental scale. However, reintroductions of mammals involved more functionally distinct species than expected, even though reintroduced mammals are not collectively representative of the functional diversity of the continental assemblage.
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17
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Sheppard DJ, Brichieri-Colombi TA, Stark DJ, Lambrechts C, Moehrenschlager A, McPherson JM. When Ecological Analysis Reveals Hidden Human Dimensions: Building on Long-Term Community Participation to Enable a Conservation Translocation of Mountain Bongo in Kenya. FRONTIERS IN CONSERVATION SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fcosc.2021.788267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Conservation translocations have traditionally focused on ecological aspects while overlooking or underestimating the importance of human dimensions. Here, we present a feasibility analysis for a conservation translocation that up front took a holistic approach by investigating both ecological and socio-economic suitability of reinforcing mountain bongo in Eburu National Forest, Kenya. From 2018 to 2019, we set up 50 cameras to detect mountain bongo and searched for secondary signs in a grid overlaying Eburu. We also conducted surveys with 200 households surrounding the forest and interviewed 300 students to understand local perceptions of and interactions with Eburu Forest and their desire for a mountain bongo translocation. We used data from camera trapping and secondary signs in a MaxEnt model to determine the amount and location of available habitat for a bongo conservation translocation. Camera traps recorded only five bongo events in the 2-year study, and MaxEnt models revealed that these antelopes were relegated to less than 2.5 km of available habitat. Socio-economic surveys indicated local support for the conservation of bongo and their habitat, and yet our camera traps uncovered threatening illicit activities that could jeopardize both bongo survival and any attempt at boosting the remnant population with captive-bred individuals. We report how we built on long-term community and stakeholder engagement to mitigate these threats and provide concrete recommendations for how to proceed with a conservation translocation in terms of both the biological aspects and continued efforts to integrate socio-economic needs and community engagement.
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18
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Chen Z, Grossfurthner L, Loxterman JL, Masingale J, Richardson BA, Seaborn T, Smith B, Waits LP, Narum SR. Applying genomics in assisted migration under climate change: Framework, empirical applications, and case studies. Evol Appl 2022; 15:3-21. [PMID: 35126645 PMCID: PMC8792483 DOI: 10.1111/eva.13335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The rate of global climate change is projected to outpace the ability of many natural populations and species to adapt. Assisted migration (AM), which is defined as the managed movement of climate-adapted individuals within or outside the species ranges, is a conservation option to improve species' adaptive capacity and facilitate persistence. Although conservation biologists have long been using genetic tools to increase or maintain diversity of natural populations, genomic techniques could add extra benefit in AM that include selectively neutral and adaptive regions of the genome. In this review, we first propose a framework along with detailed procedures to aid collaboration among scientists, agencies, and local and regional managers during the decision-making process of genomics-guided AM. We then summarize the genomic approaches for applying AM, followed by a literature search of existing incorporation of genomics in AM across taxa. Our literature search initially identified 729 publications, but after filtering returned only 50 empirical studies that were either directly applied or considered genomics in AM related to climate change across taxa of plants, terrestrial animals, and aquatic animals; 42 studies were in plants. This demonstrated limited application of genomic methods in AM in organisms other than plants, so we provide further case studies as two examples to demonstrate the negative impact of climate change on non-model species and how genomics could be applied in AM. With the rapidly developing sequencing technology and accumulating genomic data, we expect to see more successful applications of genomics in AM, and more broadly, in the conservation of biodiversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongqi Chen
- Aquaculture Research InstituteUniversity of IdahoHagermanIdahoUSA
| | - Lukas Grossfurthner
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Graduate ProgramUniversity of IdahoHagermanIdahoUSA
| | - Janet L. Loxterman
- Department of Biological SciencesIdaho State UniversityPocatelloIdahoUSA
| | | | | | - Travis Seaborn
- Department of Fish and Wildlife ResourcesUniversity of IdahoMoscowIdahoUSA
| | - Brandy Smith
- Department of Biological SciencesIdaho State UniversityPocatelloIdahoUSA
| | - Lisette P. Waits
- Department of Fish and Wildlife ResourcesUniversity of IdahoMoscowIdahoUSA
| | - Shawn R. Narum
- Columbia River Inter‐Tribal Fish CommissionHagermanIdahoUSA
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19
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Dixon-MacCallum GP, Rich JL, Lloyd N, Blumstein DT, Moehrenschlager A. Loss of Predator Discrimination by Critically Endangered Vancouver Island Marmots Within Five Generations of Breeding for Release. FRONTIERS IN CONSERVATION SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fcosc.2021.718562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Conservation translocations, which involve the intentional movement and release of organisms for conservation benefit, are increasingly required to recover species of conservation concern. In order to maximize post-release survival, and to accomplish conservation translocation objectives, animals must exhibit behaviors that facilitate survival in the wild. The Vancouver Island marmot (Marmota vancouverensis) is a critically endangered endemic in Canada which has been captive-bred for 24 years for reintroductions and reinforcements that have increased the wild population from ~30 to more than 200 individuals. Despite this success many marmots are killed by predators after release and predation represents a major hurdle to full marmot recovery. To better understand if captive-bred marmots are prepared for the novel environment into which they will be released, and to determine whether such suitability changes over time, we presented taxidermy mounts of mammalian predators and non-predators to marmots that were wild-caught, and captive born for between one and five generations. We also examined mortality of offspring from marmots we tested that had been released to the wild. A minimum of 43% of offspring were killed by predators in the wild over 17 years, most by cougars. Marmots in captivity generally responded to taxidermy mounts by decreasing foraging and increasing vigilance, and overall responded more strongly to predators than non-predators, especially wolves. However, marmots in captivity for more than two generations lacked discrimination between cougars, non-predators, and controls, suggesting a rapid loss of predator recognition. This study was only possible because predator-recognition trials were initiated early in the conservation translocation program, and could then be repeated after a number of generations. The finding that changes occurred relatively rapidly (within five generations during which changes in genetic diversity were negligible) suggests that behavioral suitability may deteriorate more rapidly than genetics would suggest. Strategies addressing potential behavior loss should be considered, including sourcing additional wild individuals or pre-release training of captive-born individuals. Subsequently, post-release survival should be monitored to determine the efficacy of behavior-optimization strategies.
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20
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McCann NP, Walberg EM, Forester JD, Schrage MW, Fulton DC, Ditmer MA. Integrating socioecological suitability with human–wildlife conflict risk: Case study for translocation of a large ungulate. J Appl Ecol 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.14021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas P. McCann
- Department of Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology University of Minnesota Saint Paul MN USA
| | - Eric M. Walberg
- Illinois Natural History Survey University of Illinois at Urbana‐Champaign Urbana‐Champaign IL USA
| | - James D. Forester
- Department of Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology University of Minnesota Saint Paul MN USA
| | - Michael W. Schrage
- Resource Management Division Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Cloquet MN USA
| | - David C. Fulton
- Department of Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology University of Minnesota Saint Paul MN USA
- U.S. Geological Survey Minnesota Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit Saint Paul MN USA
| | - Mark A. Ditmer
- Department of Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology University of Minnesota Saint Paul MN USA
- U.S.D.A. Forest Service Rocky Mountain Research Station Ogden UT USA
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21
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Turner NJ, Geralda Armstrong C, Lepofsky D. Adopting a Root: Documenting Ecological and Cultural Signatures of Plant Translocations in Northwestern North America. AMERICAN ANTHROPOLOGIST 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/aman.13658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Nancy J. Turner
- School of Environmental Studies University of Victoria Canada
| | | | - Dana Lepofsky
- Department of Archaeology Simon Fraser University Canada
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22
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Evaluating the genome-wide impacts of species translocations: the greater prairie-chicken as a case study. CONSERV GENET 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10592-021-01412-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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23
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Murphy SM, Adams JR, Waits LP, Cox JJ. Evaluating otter reintroduction outcomes using genetic spatial capture-recapture modified for dendritic networks. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:15047-15061. [PMID: 34765159 PMCID: PMC8571598 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.8187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Monitoring the demographics and genetics of reintroduced populations is critical to evaluating reintroduction success, but species ecology and the landscapes that they inhabit often present challenges for accurate assessments. If suitable habitats are restricted to hierarchical dendritic networks, such as river systems, animal movements are typically constrained and may violate assumptions of methods commonly used to estimate demographic parameters. Using genetic detection data collected via fecal sampling at latrines, we demonstrate applicability of the spatial capture-recapture (SCR) network distance function for estimating the size and density of a recently reintroduced North American river otter (Lontra canadensis) population in the Upper Rio Grande River dendritic network in the southwestern United States, and we also evaluated the genetic outcomes of using a small founder group (n = 33 otters) for reintroduction. Estimated population density was 0.23-0.28 otter/km, or 1 otter/3.57-4.35 km, with weak evidence of density increasing with northerly latitude (β = 0.33). Estimated population size was 83-104 total otters in 359 km of riverine dendritic network, which corresponded to average annual exponential population growth of 1.12-1.15/year since reintroduction. Growth was ≥40% lower than most reintroduced river otter populations and strong evidence of a founder effect existed 8-10 years post-reintroduction, including 13-21% genetic diversity loss, 84%-87% genetic effective population size decline, and rapid divergence from the source population (F ST accumulation = 0.06/generation). Consequently, genetic restoration via translocation of additional otters from other populations may be necessary to mitigate deleterious genetic effects in this small, isolated population. Combined with non-invasive genetic sampling, the SCR network distance approach is likely widely applicable to demogenetic assessments of both reintroduced and established populations of multiple mustelid species that inhabit aquatic dendritic networks, many of which are regionally or globally imperiled and may warrant reintroduction or augmentation efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean M. Murphy
- Wildlife Management DivisionNew Mexico Department of Game & FishSanta FeNew MexicoUSA
| | - Jennifer R. Adams
- Department of Fish and Wildlife SciencesUniversity of IdahoMoscowIdahoUSA
| | - Lisette P. Waits
- Department of Fish and Wildlife SciencesUniversity of IdahoMoscowIdahoUSA
| | - John J. Cox
- Department of Forestry and Natural ResourcesUniversity of KentuckyLexingtonKentuckyUSA
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24
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Monnier‐Corbel A, Monnet A, Hingrat Y, Robert A. Patterns of abundance reveal evidence of translocation and climate effects on Houbara bustard population recovery. Anim Conserv 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/acv.12738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- A. Monnier‐Corbel
- Centre d'Ecologie et des Sciences de la Conservation (CESCO) Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique Sorbonne Université Paris France
- Emirates Center for Wildlife Propagation Missour Morocco
| | - A.‐C. Monnet
- Centre d'Ecologie et des Sciences de la Conservation (CESCO) Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique Sorbonne Université Paris France
| | - Y. Hingrat
- RENECO International Wildlife Consultants LLC Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates
| | - A. Robert
- Centre d'Ecologie et des Sciences de la Conservation (CESCO) Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique Sorbonne Université Paris France
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25
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Factors affecting success of conservation translocations of terrestrial vertebrates: A global systematic review. Glob Ecol Conserv 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2021.e01630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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26
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Homberger B, Jenni L, Duplain J, Lanz M, Schaub M. Strong effects of radio‐tags, social group and release date on survival of reintroduced grey partridges. Anim Conserv 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/acv.12673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Lukas Jenni
- Swiss Ornithological Institute Sempach Switzerland
| | | | - Michael Lanz
- Swiss Ornithological Institute Sempach Switzerland
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27
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Badia‐Boher JA, Hernández‐Matías A, Viada C, Real J. Raptor reintroductions: Cost‐effective alternatives to captive breeding. Anim Conserv 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/acv.12729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jaume Adrià Badia‐Boher
- Equip de Biologia de la Conservació Departament de Biologia Evolutiva Ecologia I Ciències Ambientals and Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio) Universitat de Barcelona Barcelona Catalonia Spain
| | - Antonio Hernández‐Matías
- Equip de Biologia de la Conservació Departament de Biologia Evolutiva Ecologia I Ciències Ambientals and Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio) Universitat de Barcelona Barcelona Catalonia Spain
| | - Carlota Viada
- LIFE Bonelli Govern de les Illes Balears‐COFIB Palma Spain
| | - Joan Real
- Equip de Biologia de la Conservació Departament de Biologia Evolutiva Ecologia I Ciències Ambientals and Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio) Universitat de Barcelona Barcelona Catalonia Spain
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28
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Oppel S, Saravia V, Bounas A, Arkumarev V, Kret E, Dobrev V, Dobrev D, Kordopatis P, Skartsi T, Velevski M, Petrovski N, Bino T, Topi M, Klisurov I, Stoychev S, Nikolov SC. Population reinforcement and demographic changes needed to stabilise the population of a migratory vulture. J Appl Ecol 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.13958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Steffen Oppel
- RSPB Centre for Conservation Science Royal Society for the Protection of Birds Cambridge UK
| | | | | | - Volen Arkumarev
- Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds/BirdLife Bulgaria Sofia Bulgaria
| | | | - Vladimir Dobrev
- Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds/BirdLife Bulgaria Sofia Bulgaria
| | - Dobromir Dobrev
- Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds/BirdLife Bulgaria Sofia Bulgaria
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Mirjan Topi
- Protection and Preservation of Natural Environment in Albania Tirana Albania
| | | | - Stoycho Stoychev
- Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds/BirdLife Bulgaria Sofia Bulgaria
| | - Stoyan C. Nikolov
- Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds/BirdLife Bulgaria Sofia Bulgaria
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29
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Rayner K, Lohr CA, Garretson S, Speldewinde P. Two species, one island: Retrospective analysis of threatened fauna translocations with divergent outcomes. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0253962. [PMID: 34252101 PMCID: PMC8274872 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0253962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Translocations are globally a popular tool used with the intention of improving threatened species conservation and re-establishing ecosystem function. While practitioners strive for successful outcomes the failure rate of translocations continues to be high. We demonstrate how predictive modelling can contribute to more informed decision making and hence potentially improve the success rate of translocation programs. Two species, the Djoongari (Shark Bay mouse) Pseudomys fieldi and the golden bandicoot Isoodon auratus barrowensis, were introduced independently to Doole Island in the Exmouth Gulf of Western Australia. We used population viability analysis to critique the outcomes of these translocations and provide an example of how this tool can be incorporated with expert knowledge to predict likely outcomes of translocations. Djoongari did not establish on the island after seven translocations over nine years, while golden bandicoots established a population after just one release event. Retrospective population viability analysis (of data that was unavailable prior to the translocations) predicted and clarified the reasons behind the outcomes of both translocations. Golden bandicoots have considerably higher demographic plasticity than Djoongari, which were never likely to establish on the island. We conclude that the failure of the Djoongari translocation was due to interactions between sparse habitat, native predators and cyclonic storm surges, whereas golden bandicoots have demonstrated habitat flexibility and an ability to recover from multiple natural disasters. As a result we (1) remind conservation planners of the importance of quantifying likely refuges and habitat availability at release sites, (2) suggest practitioners consider how different threats (including natural disasters) may interact at potential release sites and (3) advocate for the incorporation of predictive modelling during the planning stages of translocations, particularly for conservation introductions where no precedent exists for the species’ survival at a particular location.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly Rayner
- Biodiversity and Conservation Science Division, Western Australia Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Cheryl A. Lohr
- Biodiversity and Conservation Science Division, Western Australia Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Sean Garretson
- Biodiversity and Conservation Science Division, Western Australia Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Peter Speldewinde
- Centre of Excellence in Natural Resource Management, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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30
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Rueda C, Jiménez J, Palacios MJ, Margalida A. Exploratory and territorial behavior in a reintroduced population of Iberian lynx. Sci Rep 2021; 11:14148. [PMID: 34239020 PMCID: PMC8266892 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-93673-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In reintroduction projects, an analysis of dispersal, exploratory movements and territorial behavior of the species concerned offers valuable information on the adaptive management of threatened species and provides a basis for the management of future reintroductions. This is the case of the Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) an endemic and endangered species reintroduced in Extremadura (Spain) in 2014. We analysed spatial data from 32 individuals just after their reintroduction. Our findings show exploratory movements sufficient to colonise and connect population nuclei within a radius of about 50 km of the reintroduction area. No significant differences were found in the exploratory movements capacity or in any directionality of males and females. Our results showed an effect of sex on the sizes of the territories established, as well as an inverse relationship between them and the time elapsed since release. No effects of rabbit abundance and lynx density on the size of territories are occurring during the early stages of reintroduction. On average, the territories of reintroduced individuals were less stable than those previously described in natural populations. Findings indicate that the reintroduced population has successfully been established but it takes more than 5 years to stabilize the territories in the area. Exploratory movements of reintroduced lynx can be large and in any direction, even when there is still a lot of high quality habitat available, which should be taken into account when reintroducing species, especially terrestrial carnivores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Rueda
- Fundación CBD-Habitat, FCBDH, 28002, Madrid, Spain
| | - José Jiménez
- Institute for Game and Wildlife Research, IREC (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), 13005, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - María Jesús Palacios
- Junta de Extremadura, Dirección General de Sostenibilidad, Paseo de Roma s/n, Módulo C, 06800, Mérida, Spain
| | - Antoni Margalida
- Institute for Game and Wildlife Research, IREC (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), 13005, Ciudad Real, Spain.
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31
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Shier DM, Navarro AY, Tobler M, Thomas SM, King SND, Mullaney CB, Ryder OA. Genetic and ecological evidence of long‐term translocation success of the federally endangered Stephens' kangaroo rat. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Debra M. Shier
- Recovery Ecology, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance San Diego California USA
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology University of California Los Angeles Los Angeles California USA
| | - Asako Y. Navarro
- Conservation Genetics, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance San Diego California USA
| | - Mathias Tobler
- Population Sustainability, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance San Diego California USA
| | - Steven M. Thomas
- Conservation Genetics, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance San Diego California USA
| | - Shauna N. D. King
- Recovery Ecology, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance San Diego California USA
| | - Claire B. Mullaney
- Conservation Genetics, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance San Diego California USA
| | - Oliver A. Ryder
- Conservation Genetics, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance San Diego California USA
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32
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Novak BJ, Phelan R, Weber M. U.S. conservation translocations: Over a century of intended consequences. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
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33
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Bode M. Covert rewilding: Modelling the detection of an unofficial translocation of Tasmanian devils to the Australian mainland. Conserv Lett 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/conl.12787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Bode
- School of Mathematical Sciences Queensland University of Technology Brisbane Queensland Australia
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34
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Rayne A, Byrnes G, Collier‐Robinson L, Hollows J, McIntosh A, Ramsden M, Rupene M, Tamati‐Elliffe P, Thoms C, Steeves TE. Centring Indigenous knowledge systems to re‐imagine conservation translocations. PEOPLE AND NATURE 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/pan3.10126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Aisling Rayne
- School of Biological Sciences University of Canterbury Christchurch New Zealand
| | - Greg Byrnes
- Te Kōhaka o Tūhaitara Trust Christchurch New Zealand
| | | | | | - Angus McIntosh
- School of Biological Sciences University of Canterbury Christchurch New Zealand
| | | | - Makarini Rupene
- Environment Canterbury Christchurch New Zealand
- Ngāi Tahu Research Centre University of Canterbury Christchurch New Zealand
| | | | - Channell Thoms
- School of Biological Sciences University of Canterbury Christchurch New Zealand
| | - Tammy E. Steeves
- School of Biological Sciences University of Canterbury Christchurch New Zealand
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35
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Palmer BJ, Valentine LE, Page M, Hobbs RJ. Translocations of digging mammals and their potential for ecosystem restoration: a review of goals and monitoring programmes. Mamm Rev 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/mam.12208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Bryony J. Palmer
- School of Biological Sciences University of Western Australia 35 Stirling Highway Crawley WA6009Australia
| | - Leonie E. Valentine
- School of Biological Sciences University of Western Australia 35 Stirling Highway Crawley WA6009Australia
| | - Manda Page
- Department of Environment and Science Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service and Partnerships 400 George St Brisbane Qld4000Australia
| | - Richard J. Hobbs
- School of Biological Sciences University of Western Australia 35 Stirling Highway Crawley WA6009Australia
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36
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Yang H, Leng X, Du H, Luo J, Wu J, Wei Q. Adjusting the Prerelease Gut Microbial Community by Diet Training to Improve the Postrelease Fitness of Captive-Bred Acipenser dabryanus. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:488. [PMID: 32373077 PMCID: PMC7186344 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.00488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
As one of the most important tool for biodiversity restoration and endangered species conservation, reintroduction has been implemented worldwide. In reintroduction projects, prerelease conditioning could effectively increase postrelease fitness and survival by improving animals’ adaptation to transformation from artificial to natural environments. However, how early-life diet training affects individuals’ adaptation, fitness, and survival after release remains largely unknown. We hypothesized that early-life diet training would adjust the host’s gut microbial community, the gut microbial community would influence the host’s diet preference, and the host’s diet preference would impact its adaptation to diet provision transformation and then determine postrelease fitness and survival. To verify this hypothesis, we investigated the growth characteristics and gut microbes of Yangtze sturgeon (Acipenser dabryanus) trained with natural and formula diets at both the prerelease and postrelease stages. The results showed that (1) the gut microbial communities of the individuals trained with a natural diet (i.e., natural diet group) and formula diet (i.e., formula diet group) evolved to the optimal status for their corresponding diet provisions, (2) the individuals in the natural diet group paid a lower cost (i.e., changed their gut microbial communities less) during diet transformation and release into the natural environment than did the individuals in the formula diet group, and (3) the gut microbes in the natural diet group better supported postrelease fitness and survival than did the gut microbes in the formula diet group. The results indicated that better prerelease diet training with more appropriate training diets and times could improve the reintroduction of Yangtze sturgeon by adjusting the prerelease gut microbial community. Because a relationship between diet (preference) and gut microbes is common in animals from insects (such as Drosophila melanogaster) to mammals (such as Homo sapiens), our hypothesis verified by the case study on Yangtze sturgeon applies to other animals. We therefore encourage future studies to identify optimal training diets and times for each species to best adjust its prerelease gut microbial community and then improve its postrelease fitness and survival in reintroduction projects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haile Yang
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Biodiversity Conservation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China, Yangtze River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoqian Leng
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Biodiversity Conservation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China, Yangtze River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Hao Du
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Biodiversity Conservation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China, Yangtze River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiang Luo
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Biodiversity Conservation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China, Yangtze River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Jinping Wu
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Biodiversity Conservation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China, Yangtze River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Qiwei Wei
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Biodiversity Conservation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China, Yangtze River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuhan, China
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37
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Hahn EE, Klimova A, MUNGUÍA‐VEGA ADRIÁN, Clark KB, Culver M. Use of Museum Specimens to Refine Historical Pronghorn Subspecies Boundaries. J Wildl Manage 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.21810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Erin E. Hahn
- The University of Arizona, Graduate Interdisciplinary Program in Genetics Tucson AZ 85721 USA
| | | | - ADRIÁN MUNGUÍA‐VEGA
- The University of Arizona, School of Natural Resources and the Environment Tucson AZ 85721 USA
| | - Kevin B. Clark
- San Diego Natural History Museum San Diego CA 92112‐1390 USA
| | - Melanie Culver
- U.S. Geological Survey The University of Arizona, School of Natural Resources and the Environment Tucson AZ 85721 USA
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38
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D’Elia J, Brandt J, Burnett LJ, Haig SM, Hollenbeck J, Kirkland S, Marcot BG, Punzalan A, West CJ, Williams-Claussen T, Wolstenholme R, Young R. Applying circuit theory and landscape linkage maps to reintroduction planning for California Condors. PLoS One 2020; 14:e0226491. [PMID: 31891594 PMCID: PMC6938332 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0226491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Conservation practitioners are increasingly looking to species translocations as a tool to recover imperiled taxa. Quantitative predictions of where animals are likely to move when released into new areas would allow managers to better address the social, institutional, and ecological dimensions of conservation translocations. Using >5 million California condor (Gymnogyps californianus) occurrence locations from 75 individuals, we developed and tested circuit-based models to predict condor movement away from release sites. We found that circuit-based models of electrical current were well calibrated to the distribution of condor movement data in southern and central California (continuous Boyce Index = 0.86 and 0.98, respectively). Model calibration was improved in southern California when additional nodes were added to the circuit to account for nesting and feeding areas, where condor movement densities were higher (continuous Boyce Index = 0.95). Circuit-based projections of electrical current around a proposed release site in northern California comported with the condor’s historical distribution and revealed that, initially, condor movements would likely be most concentrated in northwestern California and southwest Oregon. Landscape linkage maps, which incorporate information on landscape resistance, complement circuit-based models and aid in the identification of specific avenues for population connectivity or areas where movement between populations may be constrained. We found landscape linkages in the Coast Range and the Sierra Nevada provided the most connectivity to a proposed reintroduction site in northern California. Our methods are applicable to conservation translocations for other species and are flexible, allowing researchers to develop multiple competing hypotheses when there are uncertainties about landscape or social attractants, or uncertainties in the landscape conductance surface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse D’Elia
- Pacific Regional Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Joseph Brandt
- California Condor Recovery Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ventura, California, United States of America
| | - L. Joseph Burnett
- Ventana Wildlife Society, Monterey, California, United States of America
| | - Susan M. Haig
- Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, U.S. Geological Survey, Corvallis, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Jeff Hollenbeck
- The Northwest Habitat Institute, Corvallis, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Steve Kirkland
- California Condor Recovery Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ventura, California, United States of America
| | - Bruce G. Marcot
- Pacific Northwest Research Station, U.S. Forest Service, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Arianna Punzalan
- Department of Ecosystem Science and Sustainability, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Christopher J. West
- Wildlife Program, Yurok Tribe, Klamath, California, United States of America
| | - Tiana Williams-Claussen
- Wildlife Program, Yurok Tribe, Klamath, California, United States of America
- Department of Wildlife, Humboldt State University, Arcata, California, United States of America
| | - Rachel Wolstenholme
- Pinnacles National Park, U.S. National Park Service, Paicines, California, United States of America
| | - Rich Young
- Pacific Regional Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
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39
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Cullingham CI, Moehrenschlager A. Genetics of a reintroduced swift fox population highlights the need for integrated conservation between neighbouring countries. Anim Conserv 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/acv.12508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- C. I. Cullingham
- Department of Biological Sciences University of Alberta Edmonton Alberta Canada
| | - A. Moehrenschlager
- Centre for Conservation Research Calgary Zoological Society Calgary Alberta Canada
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40
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Colomer MÀ, Oliva‐Vidal P, Jiménez J, Martínez JM, Margalida A. Prioritizing among removal scenarios for the reintroduction of endangered species: insights from bearded vulture simulation modeling. Anim Conserv 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/acv.12549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M. À. Colomer
- Department of Mathematics Faculty of Life Sciences and Engineering University of Lleida Lleida Spain
| | - P. Oliva‐Vidal
- Department of Animal Science (Division of Wildlife) Faculty of Life Sciences and Engineering University of Lleida Lleida Spain
| | - J. Jiménez
- Institute for Game and Wildlife Research IREC (CSIC‐UCLM‐JCCM) Ciudad Real Spain
| | - J. M. Martínez
- Subdirección General de Desarrollo Rural y Sostenibilidad Departamento Medio Ambiente Gobierno de Aragón Huesca Spain
| | - A. Margalida
- Institute for Game and Wildlife Research IREC (CSIC‐UCLM‐JCCM) Ciudad Real Spain
- Division of Conservation Biology Institute of Ecology and Evolution University of Bern Bern Switzerland
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41
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Chock RY, Grether GF, Shier DM. Cache pilfering in a granivore guild: Implications for reintroduction management. J Wildl Manage 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.21736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Y. Chock
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary BiologyUniversity of California Los Angeles 612 Charles E. Young Drive E Los Angeles CA 90095 USA
| | - Gregory F. Grether
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary BiologyUniversity of California Los Angeles 612 Charles E. Young Drive E Los Angeles CA 90095 USA
| | - Debra M. Shier
- Recovery EcologySan Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research 15600 San Pasqual Valley Road Escondido CA 92027 USA
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42
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Hierarchical population structure of a rare lagomorph indicates recent fragmentation has disrupted metapopulation function. CONSERV GENET 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s10592-019-01206-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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43
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Metcalf OC, Ewen JG, McCready M, Williams EM, Rowcliffe JM. A novel method for using ecoacoustics to monitor post‐translocation behaviour in an endangered passerine. Methods Ecol Evol 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/2041-210x.13147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Oliver C. Metcalf
- Department of Science and EngineeringManchester Metropolitan University Manchester UK
- Department of Life SciencesImperial College London Berkshire UK
| | | | - Mhairi McCready
- ZSL Institute of Zoology London UK
- Rotokare Scenic Reserve Eltham New Zealand
| | - Emma M. Williams
- Matuku Ecology Christchurch New Zealand
- Wildlife Ecology GroupMassey University Palmerston North New Zealand
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44
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Brichieri‐Colombi TA, Lloyd NA, McPherson JM, Moehrenschlager A. Limited contributions of released animals from zoos to North American conservation translocations. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2019; 33:33-39. [PMID: 29923231 PMCID: PMC7380022 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.13160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2018] [Revised: 05/24/2018] [Accepted: 06/08/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
With the loss of biodiversity accelerating, conservation translocations such as reintroductions are becoming an increasingly common conservation tool. Conservation translocations must source individuals for release from either wild or captive-bred populations. We asked what proportion of North American conservation translocations rely on captive breeding and to what extent zoos and aquaria (hereafter zoos) fulfill captive breeding needs. We searched for mention of captive breeding and zoo involvement in all 1863 articles included in the North American Conservation Translocations database, which comprises journal articles and grey literature published before 2014 on conservation translocations in Canada, the United States, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America before 2014 as identified by a comprehensive literature review. Conservation translocations involved captive breeding for 162 (58%) of the 279 animal species translocated. Fifty-four zoos contributed animals for release. The 40 species of animals bred for release by zoos represented only 14% of all animal species for which conservation translocations were published and only 25% of all animal species that were bred for releases occurring in North America. Zoo contributions varied by taxon, ranging from zoo-bred animals released in 42% of amphibian conservation translocations to zero contributions for marine invertebrates. Proportional involvement of zoos in captive-breeding programs for release has increased from 1974 to 2014 (r = 0.325, p = 0.0313) as has the proportion of translocation-focused scientific papers coauthored by zoo professionals (from 0% in 1974 to 42% in 2013). Although zoos also contribute to conservation translocations through education, funding, and professional expertise, increasing the contribution of animals for release in responsible conservation translocation programs presents a future conservation need and opportunity. We especially encourage increased dialogue and planning between the zoo community, academic institutions, and governments to optimize the direct contribution zoos can make to wildlife conservation through conservation translocations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Natasha A. Lloyd
- Centre for Conservation ResearchCalgary Zoological Society1300 Zoo Road, NECalgaryAlberta T2E 7V6Canada
| | - Jana M. McPherson
- Centre for Conservation ResearchCalgary Zoological Society1300 Zoo Road, NECalgaryAlberta T2E 7V6Canada
| | - Axel Moehrenschlager
- Centre for Conservation ResearchCalgary Zoological Society1300 Zoo Road, NECalgaryAlberta T2E 7V6Canada
- International Union for Conservation of Nature, Species Survival Commission Reintroduction Specialist GroupGlandSwitzerland
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45
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Optimizing the use of endangered species in multi-population collection, captive breeding and release programs. Glob Ecol Conserv 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2019.e00558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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46
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Pregler KC, Kanno Y, Rankin D, Coombs JA, Whiteley AR. Characterizing genetic integrity of rear-edge trout populations in the southern Appalachians. CONSERV GENET 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s10592-018-1116-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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47
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Lloyd NA, Hostetter NJ, Jackson CL, Converse SJ, Moehrenschlager A. Optimizing release strategies: a stepping‐stone approach to reintroduction. Anim Conserv 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/acv.12448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- N. A. Lloyd
- Centre for Conservation Research Calgary Zoological Society Calgary AB Canada
| | - N. J. Hostetter
- U.S. Geological Survey Patuxent Wildlife Research Center Laurel MD USA
| | | | - S. J. Converse
- U.S. Geological Survey Washington Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit School of Environmental and Forest Sciences (SEFS) & School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences (SAFS) University of Washington Seattle WA USA
| | - A. Moehrenschlager
- Centre for Conservation Research Calgary Zoological Society Calgary AB Canada
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48
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Reintroductions of birds and mammals involve evolutionarily distinct species at the regional scale. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2018. [PMID: 29531037 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1714599115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Reintroductions offer a powerful tool for reversing the effects of species extirpation and have been increasingly used over recent decades. However, this species-centered conservation approach has been criticized for its strong biases toward charismatic birds and mammals. Here, we investigated whether reintroduced species can be representative of the phylogenetic diversity within these two groups at a continental scale (i.e., Europe, North and Central America). Using null models, we found that reintroduced birds and mammals of the two subcontinents tend to be more evolutionarily distinct than expected by chance, despite strong taxonomic biases leading to low values of phylogenetic diversity. While evolutionary considerations are unlikely to have explicitly driven the allocation of reintroduction efforts, our results illustrate an interest of reintroduction practitioners toward species with fewer close relatives. We discuss how this phylogenetic framework allows us to investigate the contribution of reintroductions to the conservation of biodiversity at multiple geographic scales. We argue that because reintroductions rely on a parochial approach of conservation, it is important to first understand how the motivations and constraints at stake at a local context can induce phylogenetic biases before trying to assess the relevance of the allocation of reintroduction efforts at larger scales.
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49
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Hardy MA, Hull SD, Zuckerberg B. Swift action increases the success of population reinforcement for a declining prairie grouse. Ecol Evol 2018; 8:1906-1917. [PMID: 29435263 PMCID: PMC5792513 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.3776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2017] [Revised: 12/04/2017] [Accepted: 12/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Translocations have become an increasingly valuable tool for conservation in recent years, but assessing the successfulness of translocations and identifying factors that contribute to their success continue to challenge biologists. As a unique class of translocation, population reinforcements have received relatively little attention despite representing a substantial portion of translocation programs. Here, we conducted population viability analyses to quantify the effects of 216 reinforcement scenarios on the long-term viability of four populations of Greater Prairie-Chickens (Tympanuchus cupido pinnatus) in Wisconsin, USA, and used multiple linear regression to identify factors that had the greatest relative influence on population viability. We considered reinforcements from outside of the study area in addition to translocations among Wisconsin populations. We observed the largest decreases in site-specific extinction probability and the largest increases in the number of sites persisting for 50 years when more vulnerable populations were targeted for reinforcement. Conversely, reinforcing the most stable sites caused the greatest reduction in regional extinction probability. We found that the number of translocated hens was a comparatively poor predictor of changes in long-term population viability, whereas the earlier onset of reinforcement was consistently associated with the greatest increases in viability. Our results highlight the value of evaluating alternative reinforcement strategies a priori and considering the effects of reinforcement on metrics of long-term population persistence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A. Hardy
- Department of Forest & Wildlife EcologyUniversity of Wisconsin‐MadisonMadisonWIUSA
| | - Scott D. Hull
- Office of Applied ScienceWisconsin Department of Natural ResourcesMadisonWIUSA
| | - Benjamin Zuckerberg
- Department of Forest & Wildlife EcologyUniversity of Wisconsin‐MadisonMadisonWIUSA
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50
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Brichieri-Colombi TA, McPherson JM, Sheppard DJ, Moehrenschlager A. In aid of (re)discovered species: maximizing conservation insights from minimal data. Anim Conserv 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/acv.12306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - J. M. McPherson
- Centre for Conservation Research; Calgary Zoological Society; Calgary AB Canada
| | - D. J. Sheppard
- Centre for Conservation Research; Calgary Zoological Society; Calgary AB Canada
| | - A. Moehrenschlager
- Centre for Conservation Research; Calgary Zoological Society; Calgary AB Canada
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