Be nimble with threat mitigation: Lessons learnt from the reintroduction of an endangered species

Date

2019-08-14

Authors

Robinson, Natasha M.
Dexter, Nick
Brewster, Rob
Maple, Dion
MacGregor, Chris
Rose, Karrie
Hall, Jane
Lindenmayer, David B

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Wiley

Abstract

Reintroductions are increasingly being used to restore species and ecosystems. However, chances of successful establishment are often low. Key to improving success is careful consideration of threats, threat mitigation, monitoring and subsequent improvement to management. We demonstrate this planning, implementation and review process using the reintroduction of an endangered mesopredator, the eastern quoll Dasyurus viverrinus, in the first attempt to re-establish it in the wild on mainland Australia. In March 2018, 20 captive-bred quolls (10 male, 10 female) were released into Booderee National Park and monitored via telemetry, camera and cage trapping. There were many unknowns and, despite thorough consideration of threats, there were surprising outcomes. Within 3 months, 80% of animals had died; half due to predation, an expected threat. Other threats were unexpected yet, due to good monitoring and responsive management, were quickly detected and effective mitigation implemented. These learnings have been incorporated into revised translocation procedures. One year later, four founder quolls remained and had successfully bred. We highlight lessons applicable to other reintroductions. These are, the importance of: 1) conducting a thorough review of threats and implementing appropriate mitigation; 2) targeted monitoring and responsive management; 3) effective communication, education and engagement with the local community and stakeholders; and 4) ensuring learnings are disseminated and incorporated into future translocation plans. Threat assessment is an important step in identifying potential reasons for failure. However, actual threats can be realized only via experimentation and monitoring. Applying this knowledge to future reintroduction attempts can increase their chance of success.

Description

Keywords

reintroduction, threatened species, monitoring, threat mitigation, conservation translocation

Citation

Robinson, N.M., Dexter, N., Brewster, R., Maple, D., MacGregor, C., Rose, K., Hall, J. and Lindenmayer, D.B. (2019). Be nimble with threat mitigation: lessons learnt from the reintroduction of an endangered species. Restoration Ecology, https://doi.org/10.1111/rec.13028.

Source

Restoration Ecology

Type

Journal article

Book Title

Entity type

Access Statement

Open Access

License Rights

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The Australian National University acknowledges, celebrates and pays our respects to the Ngunnawal and Ngambri people of the Canberra region and to all First Nations Australians on whose traditional lands we meet and work, and whose cultures are among the oldest continuing cultures in human history.


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