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Factors that can affect the success  of a wildlife reintroduction program.

Captive breeding programs, reintroductions and translocations are becoming more common as a standard for conservation management in today’s shrinking natural world (UCN, 1998). The Golden Lion Tamarin (Leontopithecus rosalia)[GLT] reintroduction program in Brazil is an example of how a multidisciplinary approach leads to successful reintroduction. As stated by the Smithsonian National Zoological Society (2012), the GLT conservation program includes global management of captive populations; behavioral and ecological study of wild populations; translocation of threatened wild groups; habitat restoration; local education programs and reintroduction of captive-born individuals to natural forests.

Lack of resources, low sample sizes and inappropriate founder animals are all factors that can hinder a reintroduction program’s success (Seddon, 2007). THE GLT reintroduction program was initiated early enough to avoid these problems. According to the RSG book (2010), this program is highly successful for several reasons. The genetic makeup of the program represents over 50% of the tamarins living in the wild; the techniques used for introduction have been widely tested, and have proven reliable. Private landowner cooperation led to 60% increase of spatial distribution; with (a metapopulation of) six sub populations clearly established. The program was also successful in the translocation of a self-sustaining population in a newly designated protected habitat (Soorae, 2010). 

Knowledge of wild behaviors is critical for the success of reintroduction (Breed, 2001). The GLT program had extensive knowledge about behavior attained through successful in –situ programs that were in progress in protected areas. The local landowners were critical to the success and developing conservation attitudes that exist today (Soorae, 2010). Extensive monitoring protocols were in effect that allowed researchers to study the differences between wild and captive populations. Also critical were the ex-situ programs by zoos that allowed for a well managed population (Soorae, 2010). 

The success of the Golden Lion Tamarin reintroduction program demonstrates complex planning, cooperation and numerous factors that can make or break any reintroduction program.

References

Association of Zoos and Aquarium (AZA), 2012. Reintroduction programs. Online. Available at: http://www.aza.org/reintroduction-programs/  [Accessed on: 18/06/2012].

Breed, Michael, 2001. Behavior and Conservation. Chapter fifteen. Online. Available  at: http://www.animalbehavioronline.com/15.html [Accessed on 19/06/2012].

IUCN, 1998. Guidelines for Re-introductions .IUCN/SSC. IUCN. Gland. Switzerland and Cambridge, UK. Online. Available at: http://www.lcie.org/docs/LCIE%20IUCN/IUCN%20Reintroduction%20guidelines.pdf [Accessed on 14/06/2012].

National Zoo, 2012. Golden Lion Tamrain Consrvation Program http://nationalzoo.si.edu/SCBI/EndangeredSpecies/GLTProgram/Tamarins/

Soorae, P. S. (ed.) (2010). Global Re-introduction Perspectives: 2010.More case studies from around the globe. Gland, Switzerland: IUCN/SSC Re-introduction Specialist Group and Abu Dhabi, UAE: Environment. Online. Available at:                        [Accessed on 16/06/2012].

image credit:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Leontopithecus_rosalia_-_Copenhagen_Zoo_-_DSC09082.JPG