Release strategies for fauna reintroductions: theory and tests

Abstract

Reintroductions have become an integral part of conservation management for a variety of threatened species in Australia and New Zealand. This popularity largely reflects the dramatic impact that exotic species have had on the indigenous fauna of these countries. Despite the volume of reintroductions being undertaken, the probability that a project will achieve the re-establishment of a viable population is not guaranteed. 'Release strategies' can improve post-release establishment probabilities. We review here several release strategies that are commonly implemented in Australian fauna reintroductions, summarise the ecological theory underlying their design, and provide examples to highlight their influence on post-release establishment. Show more