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The fundamental goal of a rare plant translocation is to create self-sustaining populations with the evolutionary resilience to persist in the long term. Yet, most plant translocation syntheses focus on a few factors influencing short-term benchmarks of success (e.g., survival and reproduction). Short-term benchmarks can be misleading when trying to infer future growth and viability because the factors that promote establishment may differ from those required for long-term persistence. We assembled a large (n = 275) and broadly representative data set of well-documented and monitored (7.9 years on average) at-risk plant translocations to identify the most important site attributes, management techniques, and species' traits for six life-cycle benchmarks and population metrics of translocation success. We used the random forest algorithm to quantify the relative importance of 29 predictor variables for each metric of success. Drivers of translocation outcomes varied across time frames and success metrics. Management techniques had the greatest relative influence on the attainment of life-cycle benchmarks and short-term population trends, whereas site attributes and species' traits were more important for population persistence and long-term trends. Specifically, large founder sizes increased the potential for reproduction and recruitment into the next generation, whereas declining habitat quality and the outplanting of species with low seed production led to increased extinction risks and a reduction in potential reproductive output in the long-term, respectively. We also detected novel interactions between some of the most important drivers, such as an increased probability of next-generation recruitment in species with greater seed production rates, but only when coupled with large founder sizes. Because most significant barriers to plant translocation success can be overcome by improving techniques or resolving site-level issues through early intervention and management, we suggest that by combining long-term monitoring with adaptive management, translocation programs can enhance the prospects of achieving long-term success.

In Finland, the geographic distribution of domestic reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus) and Finnish wild forest reindeer (Rangifer tarandus fennicus) partly overlap in the vicinity of the southern border of the reindeer herding area. Additionally, domestic reindeer are occasionally kept as pets within the distribution range of the wild forest reindeer. Hybridisation of these two subspecies is one of the major threats for the wild forest reindeer population. Concerns about potential hybridisation served as the catalyst also for this study, which we aimed to clarify the taxonomic status of presumed wild forest reindeer individuals intended as founder individuals for a reintroduction project. To do this, we resequenced genomes of four Rangifer tarandus individuals with unknown taxonomical status and investigated their ancestries by comparing the genomic data with the existing resequenced data of the Finnish domestic reindeer and Finnish wild forest reindeer. The genetic relationship investigations indicated that all individuals we analysed were pure wild forest reindeer, making them suitable as founder individuals for the reintroduction project. Thus, our study provided critical knowledge for practical conservation action, where it was essential to recognise each individual's origin. In the future, it will also offer novel insights into the spread of native wild forest reindeer to new geographic regions in Finland. For subsequent studies, additional resequenced genomic data of Rangifer individuals will be needed to develop an ancestry information marker panel of single nucleotide polymorphisms for rapid and cost-effective identification of hybrid individuals of these subspecies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reintroductions are increasingly being used as a conservation tool to restore species to areas where they once existed. Unfortunately, many reintroduction projects fail to establish viable populations. Climate suitability at release sites is thought to be important in determining reintroduction outcomes, and future climate change is an essential consideration for effective reintroduction planning. Climate change threatens species in a variety of ways, such as by impacting life history traits or causing spatial and temporal distribution mismatches of interdependent species. Hibernating species, such as the hazel dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius), may be particularly susceptible to changes in climate. For example, milder winters may increase the number of interbout arousals during hibernation, which are energetically costly. Timing of food availability may also be impacted by changing climates, potentially causing mismatches between activity and feeding opportunities. Here, we use species distribution models (SDMs) to map climate suitability for dormice in the UK. We also investigate the impact of climate suitability on a long‐running dormouse reintroduction programme, providing the first such investigation for a reintroduced mammal. We find that higher levels of current climate suitability increase the probability of reintroduction success. We find no effect of climate suitability on adult dormouse counts at reintroduction sites, but dormouse counts decline with time since reintroduction. Future projections predict that climate change may lead to more widespread climate suitability for dormice in the UK, reflecting predicted changes in seasonality, winter temperature and precipitation. Our work demonstrates the importance of understanding changing climate suitability for reintroduction planning, with potential widespread applications of SDMs for conservation projects of low‐dispersing mammals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reintroduction programs have increased amid unprecedented biodiversity loss, yet the success of these programs lag. A prominent reason for program failure is dispersal beyond the planned range of the population. Management techniques, such as hazing, can be used to prevent movement beyond set boundaries, but to be effective long‐term, the animals must learn to avoid the areas where they are hazed. Although concepts of animal learning have been used to improve reintroduction programs, learning is not often explicitly tested or used as an indicator of program success. We used a conservation behavior framework to evaluate how a range of management techniques influenced learning in a reintroduced population of bison in Banff National Park, Canada. We hypothesized exposure to stronger negative stimuli would enhance learning, leading to more pronounced behavioral responses. Specifically, we tested the degree to which management actions (i.e., drift fence encounters, foot, horseback, helicopter, and combined hazing) elicited behavioral responses and how they facilitated learning. Consistent with our predictions, drift fence interactions and foot and horseback hazing elicited fewer behavioral responses of a smaller magnitude than helicopter hazing or combined methods, suggesting these techniques cause less disturbance to the bison. Bison continually returned to locations where they encountered management actions that caused the least disturbance, demonstrating a lack of associative learning. Bison appeared to form negative associations with locations where they were hazed via helicopter or combined methods, however, and rarely returned to these locations. Evaluating management techniques is essential for improving conservation success. We demonstrate that by bridging the fields of conservation biology and animal learning, we can understand how management techniques influence learning and behavior thereby facilitating effective conservation plans that incorporate disruption levels of the animals, financial costs, and overall effectiveness. Effective conservation plans, in turn, improve our likelihood of successfully managing and recovering species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Translocation is one strategy to reestablish populations of scaled quail (Callipepla squamata). Initial reproductive success post‐translocation is important for establishing short‐lived species such as quail, but factors influencing reproductive success are poorly understood. We evaluated the effect of source population and variation in delayed release strategy (1−9 weeks) on nest initiation and nest survival of wild‐caught, translocated scaled quail. We trapped and translocated scaled quail in 2016–2017 from source populations in the Edwards Plateau and Rolling Plains ecoregions of Texas, USA, to a large contiguous (>40,000 ha) release site in Knox County, Texas. We used a multi‐state mark‐recapture model with state uncertainty to test for effects of release treatment, source population, age, release location, and year on nest initiation and survival. Increased length of holding time decreased re‐nesting effort. Yearlings were more likely to initiate nests than adults and the probability of re‐nesting was lower during the year with drought conditions. There was no effect of source population on any of the parameters we evaluated. Future scaled quail reintroduction efforts may benefit from prioritizing translocation of yearlings and conducting translocations when drought conditions are not forecasted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conservation translocation is a valuable management tool for conserving and restoring biodiversity. Conservation managers and researchers strive for translocation success and spend considerable time and energy planning for a positive outcome. However, many translocations fail. Defining what makes a translocation ‘successful’ can be challenging. Criteria for success must be relevant to the objectives of the translocation, should be measurable and have realistic timeframes for achievement. How we evaluate these criteria is highly dependent on our ability to monitor a species effectively, which may be complicated by its behaviour, the release methods used, or the release environment, including sympatric species. Well‐planned, but ultimately ineffective, monitoring strategies may render some criteria difficult or impossible to evaluate. Finally, poorly defined success criteria may result in apparently successful translocations failing to achieve their stated goals, or translocations that meet their success criteria but ultimately fail. Here, we discuss the challenges faced when defining and evaluating the success of a fauna reconstruction program on Dirk Hartog Island in Western Australia. Our achievement of success criteria within prescribed timeframes has been mixed, highlighting ways to better define and measure success. We discuss how we have adapted to new knowledge as the translocations progressed and propose frameworks for defining performance measures and guiding decision‐making in response to failures in achieving success criteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For centuries, humans have intentionally moved species around the world, and such actions have rarely been laudable from conservation perspectives. The notion that introduced populations of cold‐adapted species hold conservation value despite their non‐native status remains controversial. Many such populations exist as a legacy of humans moving wildlife to novel environments with little true consideration of species conservation. Herein, we identify cases in which individuals from inadvertent climate refugia (ICR) are returned to formerly occupied ranges or used to augment declining native populations. While conservation benefits have been infrequently realized, the global distribution of ICR offers a potentially untapped resource. Lessening biodiversity loss under increasing climate challenges will likely require assisted migration of many species and necessitate novel valuation of extant introduced populations—such as those within ICR. While ecological costs of translocated species are widely known, we highlight how species moved generations ago to ICR offer a reservoir for reintroductions and a buffer against rapidly changing climates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reintroductions of threatened species is a conservation strategy utilised around the world. Unfortunately, many translocated individuals have poor rates of survival post‐release. If released individuals are unable to socially integrate into wild populations, they might lose the safety of the group or fail to learn critical skills. We examined the effects of age and captivity on sociality and migration survival for the critically endangered orange‐bellied parrot (Neophema chrysogaster). As part of recovery efforts, adult birds are released in spring to contribute to breeding and juveniles are released in autumn prior to migration. Historically, captive‐bred adults have low rates of migration survival, whereas captive and wild juveniles survive at comparable rates. We investigated both the long‐term impacts of captivity on sociality and how sociality impacted migration survival by constructing social networks and comparing captive and wild birds of different age classes. We found no differences between captive and wild birds, suggesting that released birds integrated into the population. However, juveniles were more strongly connected and demonstrated greater network stability than adults. While we found no impact of sociality on survival, our results provide evidence of different migration strategies previously described for juveniles and adults: adults depart in small groups and juveniles depart as a larger flock a few weeks later. We suggest that the low migration survival of captive‐bred adults may be attributable to this cohort missing the juvenile flocking phase. These results suggest that a juvenile developmental phase may be impactful in this species for future survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. The protection of threatened species in fenced safe havens has become a vital component of conservation management in Australia. However, despite their success, fenced safe havens face several ecological and economic constraints. There is a need to explore additional approaches to restore species beyond the fence. Aims. To explore naturally occurring mesas as potential 'sky-island safe havens', created by natural barriers in elevation and relief, which may restrict the movement of introduced predators and other mammals. Methods. We examined species occurrences at a mesa site (Mt. Talaterang in south-east NSW, Australia) as well as a nearby lower-lying site (Little Forest Plateau). We then provide a geospatial analysis of other mesas in NSW to investigate the number of potential sky-island safe havens in the state. Key results. Species assemblages differed between the two sites, with red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), dingoes/domestic dogs (Canis dingo/familiaris), and European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) absent from the mesa site, while Antechinus spp. were not detected from the lower-lying site. Feral cats (Felis catus) occurred at significantly lower densities on the mesa site compared to the lower-lying site. In NSW, we identified 91 other mesas of =10 ha with similar topology as Mt. Talaterang. Conclusions. Although differences in species assemblages are expected between different habitats, the absence of red foxes and lower number of feral cat detections at the mesa site suggest the need to further explore the potential for mesas in conservation initiatives. Implications. Our findings introduce a supplementary conservation strategy that could augment existing fenced safe haven approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Post‐release monitoring is critical for assessing translocation outcomes. Yet the quality of information gained from monitoring can vary greatly, and perceived monitoring costs often results in reduced monitoring effort. Selecting cost‐effective monitoring strategies that provide high quality data are therefore important for assessing translocation outcomes and making informed management decisions.To compare how monitoring strategy affects information gained, we monitored a toutouwai/North Island robin (Petroica longipes) reintroduction in Aotearoa New Zealand, based on monitoring objectives of determining survival, site fidelity and whether the extent of management was large enough to protect dispersing individuals. We compared how these objectives were met through four monitoring strategies: (1) comprehensive surveys with ground radio telemetry and playback; (2) aerial drone telemetry; (3) dedicated playback by trained surveyors and (4) opportunistic playback by predator control contractors. We undertook a viewshed analysis to determine search coverage of each strategy and compared detection rates, efficiency and cost.Comprehensive ground telemetry and playback, while costly, covered the largest area and provided the most accurate data on dispersal, survival and the translocation outcome. In comparison, opportunistic playback monitoring detected substantially fewer individuals, giving a false impression of low site fidelity and survival and a failed translocation. Although drone telemetry had considerable site‐specific limitations, which limited its effectiveness during our study, it was the most cost‐effective with a high detection rate and low search effort.Synthesis and applications: Our study shows the value of intensive monitoring in facilitating management decisions for wildlife translocations. Comprehensive telemetry and playback, while costly, were invaluable for gaining high quality information on the translocation outcome. Without suitable monitoring, reintroduction outcomes can be difficult to assess and potentially result in unnecessary, ineffective or overly expensive management actions. We recommend that monitoring intensity and methodology should reflect the site, species and level of uncertainty regarding the translocation outcome. Prioritising monitoring can help reduce long‐term costs, increase quality of information gained and allow for more informed management decisions that can improve subsequent translocation outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the NW-European region of Flanders (northern Belgium), wet heathlands harbour several threatened species among which the emblematic Alcon Blue butterfly Phengaris alcon is rapidly declining. Since 1990, the number of occupied grid cells in Flanders has decreased from 61 to only six in 2023, a decline of 90%. Due to the loss of many populations, the mean distance between populations tripled from 9 km in the period 1950–1990 to 27 km now. Site-wide egg counts in one of the strongholds of the Alcon Blue in Flanders revealed a strong increase after some initial intensive care conservation measures in the 2000s, but since 2013 a steep decline of 99% has been observed. The standardised egg counts in the remaining six Flemish populations (i.e., monitoring within the framework of the Natura2000 reporting) showed a yearly decrease of 18% since 2016. Despite increased conservation attention and targeted management since the end of the 1990s, the current situation of P. alcon in Belgium is more precarious than ever. Causes of this rapid decline are manifold and they are likely to be amplified by extreme weather conditions caused by climate change. More efficient intensive care measures and more intense cooperation across national borders are now quickly required to regionally preserve this habitat specialist with a unique eco-evolutionary profile. Implications for insect conservation By analysing the causes of the decline of the threatened Alcon Blue butterfly in Flanders, we suggest management and policy measures in an attempt to conserve this and other threatened heathland species in a highly anthropogenic region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the frequency with which translocation is implemented as a conservation tool, remarkably little research has assessed the sustainable management of translocation source populations. We sought to make an a priori estimate of the impact of multiple alternative harvesting scenarios on five passerine species endemic to Norfolk Island which may benefit from future translocation. Population parameters for our five focal taxa were quantified using distance sampling at 298 point surveys conducted in 2019. Intensive nest monitoring between 2018 and 2020 was used to estimate reproductive rates. We modelled population trajectories for all five taxa under alternative harvesting scenarios in forward projections over a 25‐year period to assess the likelihood that focal populations could recover from a harvesting event. We used sensitivity analysis to assess the robustness of models to uncertainty around some population parameters. We estimate that Norfolk Island National Park supported 1486 Norfolk Robins Petroica multicolor (95% confidence interval (CI) 1017–1954), 7184 Slender‐billed White‐eyes Zosterops tenuirostris (95% CI 5817–8551), 2970 Norfolk Grey Fantails Rhipidura albiscapa pelzini (95% CI 2094–3846), 3676 Norfolk Gerygones Gerygone modesta (95% CI 2869–4482) and 1671 Norfolk Golden Whistlers Pachycephala pectoralis xanthoprocta (95% CI 1084–2259) in 2019. All five species were predicted to recover from the harvest of 50, 100 or 150 individuals within 10 years. Despite considerable variation in population parameters, we demonstrate that all five focal taxa have the potential to sustain harvesting at rates required for future conservation translocations. We provide a clear comparison of differing intensity harvesting strategies for on‐ground managers. More broadly, we provide a rare example of an a priori assessment of the impact of harvesting for translocation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. Conservation translocations are increasing in number and so too is the interest and expectation from Traditional Owners (TOs) that they will be involved in management occurring on their Country. Aims. Our objectives were to identify the levels of past TO engagement as experienced through the western and TO lenses, examine the key steps, challenges and opportunities that emerged from survey responses, and also to provide a case study of a conservation translocation that describes Indigenous involvement to support a reintroduction of golden bandicoots (Isoodon auratus) in Australia from Martu Country (Western Australia) to Wongkumara and Maljangapa Country (New South Wales). Methods. The key questions the surveys sought to address to western practitioners were as follows: (1) what types of TO involvement were observed; (2) if TOs were not involved in the translocation, was there a reason; and (3) for each translocation project where TOs were involved, (a) why was this engagement sought by their agency; (b) what worked well in terms of involvement and partnerships; and (c) how could these partnerships be improved? From a TO lens, perspectives were sought with a survey addressing the following questions: (1) how were you involved in the translocation; (2) why was it important to you and your community; and (3) ow would you like to be involved in the future? Key results. Of 208 Australian translocations, 27% involved TOs. The following four themes emerged from the survey responses: the need to recognise and adopt the cultural dimension of conservation translocations on Indigenous Country, maintain on-Country relationships between western practitioners and TOs, enable co-ownership of projects, and maintain community links between western and TO practitioners. The golden bandicoot translocation partnership provided a foundation for TO engagement across generations, setting the scene for long-term and future translocation collaboration opportunities. Conclusions. The perspectives of all participants involved in conservation translocations highlighted a common theme: the need to support TOs to be engaged fairly, to be culturally safe during their engagement, and to enable them to be part of a wider project and community team. The case study highlighted a sequential approach for engaging the TO organisation and supporting TOs to work alongside western practitioners to capture, record and transport animals from their Country to a new (reintroduction) site. Implications. We provide suggestions for non-Indigenous managers and practitioners to consider a cultural dimension to conservation translocations when engaging TOs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Despite active research into the mechanisms of food allergies (FA), the main approach to managing patients with this condition remains the complete exclusion of causative allergens from the diet for a certain period. At the same time, the question of timely reintroduction of excluded food triggers into the diet is frequently raised, which is important both for maintaining oral tolerance and reducing the negative effects of long-term elimination diets, such as nutritional and eating behavior disorders, as well as financial burdens on families. However, clear recommendations on the reintroduction of previously excluded foods have not existed until recently. Regarding cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA), such recommendations were provided in 2023 in the consensus document of the World Allergy Organization (WAO) — DRACMA.Aim. The aim of this review is to present current approaches to the reintroduction of food allergens into the diets of patients with food allergies and to evaluate various reintroduction protocols, including those used for cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA).Material and methods. This review provides a concise summary of current approaches to reintroducing food allergens into the diet, covering both IgE-mediated and non-IgE-mediated forms of food allergy. The advantages of different patient management protocols are discussed, with special attention given to CMPA as one of the most common manifestations of FA in children.Results. An analysis of modern approaches has demonstrated that modern recommendations regarding the reintroduction of allergens, including those presented in the document of the World Allergological Organization — DRACMA for allergy to cow’s milk proteins, allow for a more personalized and safe approach to the reintroduction of allergens, which helps reduce risks and maintain food tolerance.Conclusions. The introduction of new guidelines for the reintroduction of food allergens is an important step in managing patients with food allergies. These recommendations provide a more personalized approach to treating food-allergic patients, including those with cow’s milk protein allergy, reducing the risks associated with reintroducing allergens into the diet. They also help to mitigate the negative effects of elimination diets and maintain oral tolerance in patients, which is particularly important for children with FA.

Abstract Background Dictyocaulosis is a parasitic disease caused by pulmonary nematodes from genus Dictyocaulus affecting various ungulate hosts. It can cause verminous bronchopneumonia and for heavily infected individuals, fatal outcomes can occur. Case presentation The study describes the case of a male European bison which died three months after relocation from Slovakia to one of the reintroduction areas in Nucșoara village, Făgăraș Mountains, Romania. Necropsy revealed the presence of pulmonary nematodes in the respiratory tract. Morphology and molecular diagnosis was performed and Dictyocaulus viviparus was identified. Conclusion Rigorous health monitoring is essential to assure the success of reintroduction programs, understanding and preventing infectious diseases and limiting their impact on population health.

Wild populations of New England cottontails (NECs, Sylvilagus transitionalis) are declining and occupy a small proportion of their historic range. To conserve this species, wild-caught cottontails participate in a reintroduction breeding program. To increase the program’s productivity, this study described breeding behavior in pairings with (n = 3 pairings) and without (n = 9 pairings) reproductive success. Females were paired with two males consecutively and behaviors were recorded using 24 h continuous video footage. Activity peaked between 19:00 and 06:00. Copulation was only observed in successful pairings, and the gestation period was 31 days. Successful pairings had a significantly higher rate of follows (p < 0.001) and a lower rate of dashes (p < 0.0001) compared to unsuccessful pairings. Females had significantly higher rates of charge (p < 0.0005), chase (p < 0.0003), and dash (p < 0.0016) than males. Males had higher rates of follow (p < 0.005) than females. Males and females altered their behavior in the presence of different potential mates, suggesting that mate compatibility may influence breeding program productivity. This study significantly expands the understanding of NEC breeding behavior and is applicable to the management of this imperiled species living at low densities in fragmented landscapes.

The ghost bat Macroderma gigas (Megadermatidae) is native to Australia. Its current distribution has dramatically contracted northwards in the past 150 years and the extant populations are scattered and isolated due to climatic and anthropogenic factors. To investigate the potential for reintroductions of wild ghost bats into suitable habitats, we examined the potential for refuges located in the southern-most parts of the species’ former range to once again support populations. We identified Drovers Cave, located in Drovers Cave National Park in Western Australia, as a potential reintroduction site and used thermo-hygrochron iButtons to demonstrate that the microclimate conditions within the cave are suitable for ghost bats with temperatures close to 20 °C and 99% humidity throughout a ten-month period (December to September). We also showed that in the Pilbara region, ghost bats are opportunistic and flexible predators relying on small birds and mammal species. After comparing these data with the local fauna species list reported from Drovers Cave National Park, we concluded that the habitat at the proposed reintroduction site could provide sufficient diversity of potential prey species in terms of species richness, but we had no data on their relative abundance.

Abstract We tested if the personality of captive-raised western ringtail possums (Pseudocheirus occidentalis), and the impact of other variables would influence their survival after release using radiotelemetry. We hypothesised a greater survival for individuals: (i) bold; (ii) habituated in advance to food collected from the release area; (iii) juveniles instead of adults, because more easily tolerated by wild individuals, and (iv) released in new dreys (nests) as they would not have the strong odour of old dreys and would be less attractive to foxes. After 3 months of radio tracking, out of 143 possums released, 79 died: 51 (64.6%) were preyed upon by European red foxes (Vulpes vulpes). Bold or female individuals had higher survival rates than shy or male individuals (survival rate bold: 53%, shy: 41%, p = 0.046, hazard ratio = 0.352, 95% CI HR [0.126, 0.979]; survival rate females: 44%, males: 35%, p = 0.007, hazard ratio = 2.811, 95% CI HR [1.322, 5.976]). Shooting was a more effective fox control strategy to improve survival compared to baiting (p = 0.019, hazard ratio = 0.167, 95% CI HR [0.038, 0.742]). Our results demonstrate that the control of introduced predators is critical for the success of reintroductions of this critically endangered species.

Abstract The range of keystone species is increasing in some parts of the world, particularly Europe, through a combination of natural recolonization, government‐sanctioned and covert reintroductions. Reintroductions are an important conservation tool, particularly in the increasingly popular approach of rewilding. There is relatively little understanding of the politics, broadly conceived, of species reintroduction, particularly around how people who live alongside these newly introduced species might react, and what underpins this reaction, and how the method of reintroduction affects reactions. Here, we explore these issues through a case of beavers in central Scotland, which were covertly reintroduced. We explore opposition to reintroduction as manifest in beaver killing and dam destruction by land managers, quantifying these using the sensitive ‘bean count’ method. We also explore what underpins land managers' reactions, particularly their views and values around land and land management. We found considerable resistance. We found that beaver killing and dam destruction were widespread, both before and after beavers became a protected species. Nevertheless, beaver populations and ranges in Scotland continue to grow. We found attitudes were grounded in a strong set of relational values around land custodianship. We find a range of views towards beavers, including widespread opposition, particularly regarding the covert nature of beaver introduction, the challenge beavers and beaver protection provide to ideas of proper land management and custodianship, and a lack of trust in formal methods of beaver governance. We argue that species reintroductions policies and research should give careful consideration to potential opposition, its material impacts on reintroduction projects and how it is grounded in wider environmental values and politics. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

When designing restorations for durable metapopulations of endangered butterflies, it is important to understand how frequently the adults mix between sites and their probability of colonising vacant patches unassisted by human translocations. We analysed 43 examples of natural dispersal by Phengaris arion L. to restored sites in three regions following its reintroduction after extinction to the UK. We compared the years taken to reach restored habitats with the distance from a source colony, the number and density of P. arion on source sites, the size of source sites, the nature of the intervening matrix, summer temperatures, the incidence of drought and whether a more dispersive phenotype has evolved across restored landscapes. Isolation of sites was the most important constraint on the colonisation of new habitats, followed by the number, but not the density, of P. arion on source sites. Emigration was more frequent in warm summers and when the habitat was degraded by drought, but neither factor remained significant in multifactorial analyses. A matrix of woodland between sites was a greater barrier to dispersal than open or mixed terrain, but again insignificant in multifactorial analyses. A more mobile phenotype of P. arion has evolved while it exploited vacant habitat patches during its first 10–12 generations in the UK. Adults now fly twice as far to find new colonies as in the early years. We map the probabilities of linking restored sites with neighbouring populations in three former landscapes in the Cotswold Hills of Gloucestershire, UK. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dictyocaulosis is a parasitic disease caused by pulmonary nematodes from genus Dictyocaulus affecting various ungulate hosts. It can cause verminous bronchopneumonia and for heavily infected individuals, fatal outcomes can occur. Case presentation: The study describes the case of a male European bison which died three months after relocation from Slovakia to one of the reintroduction areas in Nucșoara village, Făgăraș Mountains, Romania. Necropsy revealed the presence of pulmonary nematodes in the respiratory tract. Morphology and molecular diagnosis was performed and Dictyocaulus viviparus was identified. Conclusion: Rigorous health monitoring is essential to assure the success of reintroduction programs, understanding and preventing infectious diseases and limiting their impact on population health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recovery of endangered species is challenging and lengthy, especially when it involves reintroduction and dynamic environmental conditions. Because managers often need to decide between many management strategies with uncertain outcomes, periodically assessing progress toward recovery using population viability analysis (PVA) can help guide decision‐making. We developed a PVA for the critically endangered Puerto Rican parrot (Amazona vittata) to evaluate current status and potential future management strategies to reach goals set in the Recovery Plan. Having grown from their nadir of 13 birds in 1976 to 686 in 2021, the recovery effort has made great progress. Using 15 years of data, we built an individual‐based PVA that included interactions between two captive and three wild populations connected via annual releases. If management continues as planned, the wild populations have no to moderate risks of extinction (0–32%) over the next 100 years. However, wild populations remain dependent on releases to sustain growth, and recovery targets for stable population growth and connectivity have not yet been reached. Our analysis suggests that hurricanes are an impediment to reaching recovery targets and impact some wild populations more than others based on geography. Projections with climate‐change‐induced higher hurricane impact resulted in wild populations being less likely to stabilize. We identified demographic rates and associated management strategies that could positively impact wild populations: increasing reproduction (e.g., via increasing artificial nests, improving nest success) and decreasing first‐year mortality (e.g., via targeted predator control). Based on our current understanding of Puerto Rican parrot demographics, species recovery will continue to be management‐dependent unless demographic rates can be altered. As more data are gathered, especially for data‐sparse populations and in the face of environmental change, future iterations of this model can re‐evaluate progress, update management strategies, and provide support for deciding if and when to delist this iconic species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Northern bobwhites (Colinus virginianus) have become a species of great conservation priority because of widespread and ongoing population declines. Long‐distance translocations are becoming increasingly used to access a source population with densities high enough to support translocation. Two key uncertainties exist regarding the efficacy of long‐distance translocations: choosing a source population with adaptations that will be successful in a novel environment and mitigating the stress response common during the translocation process. We translocated bobwhites from the South Texas Plains and the Floridian Coastal Plain to a recipient site in the Floridian Coastal Plain in 2021 and 2022 to compare the survival and productivity of bobwhites translocated from two different source populations. We also evaluated how varying holding times during the translocation process influenced the success of the translocated individuals. Breeding season survival, nest propensity and fecundity were greater for Florida resident and Florida translocated bobwhites relative to Texas translocated bobwhites. We observed high rates of mortality during the transport and holding processes, but holding time did not affect breeding season survival of Texas translocated bobwhites. Both nest success and fecundity of Texas translocated bobwhites were negatively affected by holding time. Bobwhites translocated long distances may have the adaptive capacity to be successful in novel environments, but the consequences of translocation stress can be detrimental. Future translocation planning should consider choosing source populations from similar ecoregions to simultaneously decrease translocation distances and potential stress from translocation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The success of avian translocations depends on many factors. Release age is often cited as an influential factor that warrants further study, yet no general guidelines exist to improve the outcome of translocations. We conducted a systematic review of literature on captive‐reared or wild‐caught birds that incorporated >1 age class in their analyses of post‐release survival, dispersal, or reproduction. Fifty‐two studies met our search criteria, and 39 were retained for an evaluation of post‐release survival. For studies reporting at least one trend, more reported higher post‐release survival when birds were translocated at younger ages (68%) than at older ages (32%). This pattern was most pronounced for wild‐caught birds and for captive‐reared birds released within their first year of life. Captive‐reared birds of prey were an exception, with birds released at older ages often having higher survival than birds released at younger ages. We review the authors' hypotheses for why birds released at younger ages are more likely to settle, survive, and breed. More research is needed on the potential effects of release age on dispersal and reproduction. We recommend that future studies incorporate age of release as a covariate and control for the effect of season of release in experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Captive‐breeding programs are increasingly implemented to curb population declines but can have unintended negative effects on genetic diversity and phenotypes. Through an analysis of ~10 years of genetic monitoring, pedigree information, and phenotypic data, we evaluated a captive‐breeding program that uses adaptive management to reduce inbreeding and improve captive broodstock performance. A captive‐breeding program was established in 2012 to reintroduce spring‐run Chinook salmon to the southern edge of their range in California's San Joaquin River (SJR), using fish produced each year at the nearby Feather River Hatchery (FRH). We found that the SJR program adequately captured the genetic diversity of the FRH source population and that mate pairings guided by genetic relatedness reduced inbreeding. However, the SJR broodstock reared in captivity had smaller body size at maturity in comparison to the FRH source broodstock which matures at sea, but this effect disappeared when SJR juveniles were released from captivity to mature at sea. Phenotypic traits of SJR female parents also influenced reproductive performance; older mothers and those with smaller eggs had offspring with lower survival. These findings demonstrate that adaptive genetic monitoring and pedigree information can be powerful tools for reducing risks of captive breeding and evaluating program effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The preservation of genetic variation is fundamental in biodiversity conservation, yet its importance for population viability remains contentious. Mixed‐source reintroductions, where individuals are translocated into a single vacant habitat from multiple genetically divergent and often depauperate populations, provide an opportunity to evaluate how genetic variation and hybridization influence individual and relative population fitness. Population genetic theory predicts that individuals with higher genetic variation and hybrids among populations should have higher fitness. We tested these two hypotheses by analyzing individual and population‐scale data for westslope cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii lewisi) in four mixed‐source reintroductions. We observed more hybrid and fewer nonhybrid offspring than expected across four independent mixed‐source reintroductions. We also found clear evidence that heterozygosity influenced individual reproductive and relative population fitness. Overall, we found a strong, positive relationship between genetic variation, hybridization, and transplant fitness, emphasizing the importance of genetic variation and population mixing in conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding population structure and the extent and distribution of genetic diversity are recognized as central issues in endangered species research, with broad implications for effective conservation management. Advances in whole genome sequencing techniques provide greater resolution of genome-wide genetic diversity and inbreeding. Subspecies of golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos) in Scotland (A. c. chrysaetos) and Japan (A. c. japonica) are endangered; it is therefore important to understand genetic diversity and inbreeding of these small island populations to increase the chances of conservation success. We investigated this using whole genome sequencing data from golden eagles in Scotland, continental Europe, Japan, and the USA. Following determination of population genetic structure, analysis of heterozygosity and nucleotide diversity revealed reduced levels of genetic diversity together with runs of homozygosity, suggesting evidence of inbreeding attributable to recent shared parental ancestry in the island populations. These results highlight the need to consider genetic reinforcement of small isolated golden eagle populations from neighbouring outbred populations, alongside existing efforts to boost population size through within-island conservation translocations and captive breeding programmes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ghost bat Macroderma gigas (Megadermatidae) is native to Australia. Its current distribution has dramatically contracted northwards in the past 150 years and the extant populations are scattered and isolated due to climatic and anthropogenic factors. To investigate the potential for reintroductions of wild ghost bats into suitable habitats, we examined the potential for refuges located in the southern-most parts of the species' former range to once again support populations. We identified Drovers Cave, located in Drovers Cave National Park in Western Australia, as a potential reintroduction site and used thermo-hygrochron iButtons to demonstrate that the microclimate conditions within the cave are suitable for ghost bats with temperatures close to 20 °C and 99% humidity throughout a ten-month period (December to September). We also showed that in the Pilbara region, ghost bats are opportunistic and flexible predators relying on small birds and mammal species. After comparing these data with the local fauna species list reported from Drovers Cave National Park, we concluded that the habitat at the proposed reintroduction site could provide sufficient diversity of potential prey species in terms of species richness, but we had no data on their relative abundance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Macaw and parrot populations are declining because of a combination of habitat loss and capture for the illegal trade. As a result, IUCN Red List data suggest many are candidates for captive-based conservation efforts. Unfortunately, when captive-raised parrots are released, many fly off and get lost in the landscape or get killed by predators, making it difficult to establish new populations. Previous research suggests that pet parrots trained using free flight methods can form good flocks in flight, avoid predators, and navigate well, all skills that should help them survive in the wild. Here, we conduct a small-scale, proof-of-concept study using free flight methods and three already trained adults in the release of six captive-bred Blue-and-yellow Macaws in southeastern Brazil. All six released birds stayed together and remained near the release site, avoided predators, learned to feed themselves, and survived without supplemental feeding for over one year. One bird was captured and briefly held by local people but was recovered and rereleased and is doing well. This work suggests that free flight training can help captive-raised parrots survive release into the wild and make it easier to establish new populations of parrots and macaws in areas where they have gone extinct. As habitat loss and other threats accelerate, ecological restoration and reintroduction science are becoming progressively more important. The psittacines are among the most endangered bird groups and are prime candidates for restoration through reintroduction. Unfortunately, post-release survival of captive-raised animals is often quite low because, in part, of high predation rates, low site fidelity, poor flight ability, and low flock cohesion. Current best practices in parrot release hold the birds in captivity for a year or more and include distinct methods to address each of these challenges. Here, we conduct a small-scale, proof-of-concept study using free flight methods and human-socialized trained adult birds to hand raise and release a group of six fledgling Blue-and-yellow Macaws in their historical range in southeastern Brazil. All six released birds showed strong flock cohesion and fidelity to the release site, avoided predation, and survived without supplemental feeding for over one year. One bird was captured by local people but was recovered and rereleased and it has reintegrated into the group and is still alive and doing well. The human-socialized trained adult birds modeled both desirable behaviors (flocking, foraging, reacting to predators) and undesirable behaviors and they were returned to captivity before the conclusion of this study. Our study suggests that free flight training has great potential to help captive-raised young attain a broad array of vital skills needed for survival post-release. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wild populations of New England cottontails (NECs, Sylvilagus transitionalis) are declining and occupy a small proportion of their historic range. To conserve this species, wild-caught cottontails participate in a reintroduction breeding program. To increase the program's productivity, this study described breeding behavior in pairings with (n = 3 pairings) and without (n = 9 pairings) reproductive success. Females were paired with two males consecutively and behaviors were recorded using 24 h continuous video footage. Activity peaked between 19:00 and 06:00. Copulation was only observed in successful pairings, and the gestation period was 31 days. Successful pairings had a significantly higher rate of follows (p < 0.001) and a lower rate of dashes (p < 0.0001) compared to unsuccessful pairings. Females had significantly higher rates of charge (p < 0.0005), chase (p < 0.0003), and dash (p < 0.0016) than males. Males had higher rates of follow (p < 0.005) than females. Males and females altered their behavior in the presence of different potential mates, suggesting that mate compatibility may influence breeding program productivity. This study significantly expands the understanding of NEC breeding behavior and is applicable to the management of this imperiled species living at low densities in fragmented landscapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conservation translocations may be a useful tool for the restoration of declining freshwater invertebrates, but they are poorly represented in the literature. We conducted a before‐after/control‐impact (BACI) experiment to test the efficacy of conservation translocation for re‐establishing abundant populations of the amphipod Gammarus lacustris, a declining species and wildlife food resource in depressional wetlands in the upper Midwest of the United States of America. Each study site (n = 19) contained at least one treatment wetland receiving translocated G. lacustris from a local donor and one control wetland. We selected study wetlands based on a suite of wetland characteristics and randomly assigned recipient versus control treatment. Gammarus lacustris was detected post‐translocation at only 2 of 22 recipient wetlands (1 of 19 sites). Overall, there was a statistical increase in G. lacustris density in recipient wetlands compared to controls; however, the results were of minimal biological significance due to being driven by a single site with low G. lacustris densities. Accordingly, our results suggest that future conservation translocations of amphipods might be successful if limited to recently restored wetlands or informed by a more complex habitat suitability model to differentiate dispersal limitations from habitat limitations. To develop such a model would involve identifying the fewest, most influential physical and biological factors (e.g. wetland size/structure, fish, aquatic vegetation, and water chemistry) from the numerous inter‐related factors that correlate with the abundance of naturally occurring G. lacustris; candidate wetlands to receive amphipods would be those for which the model predicts abundant G. lacustris but in which they do not presently occur. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The South China tiger is a unique subspecies of tiger endemic to China and has become extinct in the wild. However, it is currently unclear whether there are still ideal habitats suitable for the survival of the South China tiger population in China at present and in the future. Our goal is to assess which areas will become the most suitable for the reintroduction of the South China tiger to China under the impact of climate change, and to estimate the number of tigers these areas can support. This study selects eight key prey species of the South China tiger, and predicts the potential suitable habitats for each prey under current and future climates. The study reveals that the core candidate sites for the reintroduction of the South China tiger cover a total area of 83,415 km2, with the largest core candidate site area totaling 10,000 km2, located in Tibet, which can ideally support the survival of 89 South China tigers in the wild. This study provides a research basis and strategy for the recovery of wild South China tiger populations. The South China tiger (Panthera tigris amoyensis) is a tiger subspecies unique to China and one of the top ten endangered species in the world. It used to play an important role in the overall function of the ecosystem. This study rationally screened out key prey species of the South China tiger—the Chinese serow, Chinese goral, tufted deer, water deer, Chinese muntjac, red muntjac, sambar deer, and wild boar. Candidate sites for the rewilding and reintroduction of the South China tiger were derived by exploring changes in suitable habitats for the prey using the MaxEnt model. The results show that: (1) by 2070, except for the high-suitability areas of water deer and Chinese muntjac, the areas of suitable habitats for the other six prey species would all have decreased significantly; (2) the location of the high-suitability area of the South China tiger obtained by superimposing the suitable areas of the eight prey species would be almost stable in 2050 and 2070, but the habitat index of some high- and medium-suitability areas would decrease and turn into low-suitability areas; (3) the core candidate sites were 83,415 km2 in total, of which 25,630 km2 overlapped with existing protected areas, accounting for 30.7% of the core candidate sites, and the remaining 69.3% of the core candidate sites were mostly distributed around the protected areas; (4) the maximum core candidate site area was projected to be 10,000 km2 by 2070, which could support a small population of 23 male tigers and 66 female tigers to survive and reproduce in the wild. This study revealed the core candidate sites for the rewilding of South China tigers and estimated the number of tigers that could be reintroduced to these areas, providing a preliminary research basis for promoting the rewilding of South China tigers in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Analysing social behaviour provides valuable insights into the dynamics of species living in groups. An essential part of social behaviour is represented by lead-and-follow interactions as they influence group stability through individual needs and decision making. In horses, Equus ferus caballus , this behaviour plays a crucial role since individuals depend on the security and knowledge their group offers. Only one study has analysed the lead-and-follow behaviour of Przewalski's horses, Equus ferus przewalskii. However, no such study has been conducted on the wild population, nor on the potential impact of the horses' origin and experience. We filmed 34 wild-born and captive-bred individuals with different experiences (held in a fenced enclosure before release into the wild, long-term reintroduced and wild-born) in the Great Gobi B (Mongolia) over summer 2018, late spring 2019 and autumn 2019 to investigate Przewalski's horses' lead-and-follow behaviour in situ. We documented lead-and-follow interactions within 11 groups and used these data to construct lead-and-follow networks. We also examined the influence of various social factors (origin, sex, age, dominance rank, group size, parity, kinship and time belonging to the group) on different network measures. The analyses revealed that wild-born horses with greater experience in the area tended to exhibit well-defined lead-and-follow connections with few leading individuals, typical of stable groups of horses. In contrast, in inexperienced reintroduced groups, many (or all) members controlled the movement. The results show that newly formed groups of released Przewalski's horses require time to develop typical and stable lead-and-follow patterns. • We investigated lead-and-follow behaviour in Przewalski's horses in Mongolia. • Wild-born groups with more experience have well-defined lead-and-follow connections. • Reintroduced groups show less established networks, with many individuals leading. • Age significantly influences leading behaviour, with older horses leading. • Understanding lead-and-follow dynamics is important for the reintroduction success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Freshwater species biodiversity is under threat. The average global decline for migratory fish species is estimated to be more than 75% since 1970. Atlantic salmon is one of these species with a steep decline in north‐western Europe and it even went extinct in the river Rhine in the 1950s. The causes for this decline have been posted to habitat loss, pollution, climate change and overfishing. Annual stocking in the Rhine since the late 1980s resulted in an initial increase in the Atlantic salmon numbers after which numbers collapsed again. In this paper, we lay out the recent decline, estimate losses of smolts and adults at different sections in the freshwater habitat and elaborate on potential causes of the recent decline and these losses. We found that the salmon population of the river Rhine has declined rapidly over the past two decades, with a current estimated spawning population of only ~350–800 individuals. The percentage of salmon smolts returning as adults to spawning grounds is estimated at 0.5%–0.6%, well below the 3% supposedly needed to maintain a self‐sustaining population. Many individuals disappear during their migrations, with the highest percentage of smolts disappearing in the German tributaries (44%) and the Dutch lower Rhine (71%), while the percentage of disappearing adults is highest in both the Dutch (74%) and the German (78%) Rhine. Causes for the losses per river section remain unclear and possible threats, some specific to the river Rhine, are being discussed. The large losses of smolts and adults in inland waters, compared with open sea losses, indicate that restocking the river Rhine might only result in a self‐sustaining population with more ecological restoration than carried out so far along the intensively shipped and highly regulated river course and associated high levels of predation, and might be increasingly limited by future climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we focus on Coenonympha oedippus, an endangered butterfly species protected under Annexes II and IV of the EU Habitats Directive. Predominantly inhabiting semi‐open wet grasslands across Europe, this species also occupies abandoned sub‐Mediterranean dry grasslands. Ecological distinctiveness in its habitat use is reflected in differences in larval host plants, wing morphology and genetic composition, resulting in two ecotypes: wet and dry. Notably, by 2018, only one population of the wet ecotype survived in Slovenia, necessitating reintroduction as a critical strategy to avert its national extinction. Building on our conservation objectives, we implemented a 5‐year project (2018–2022) to develop protocols for source individual and substrate collection, ex situ breeding in semi‐natural conditions, thorough release and post‐release monitoring. Our efforts included breeding from 18 females, yielding 754 eggs in a breeding house. From these, we successfully reared and released 460 individuals, comprising 419 pupae and 41 butterflies. The project culminated with promising outcomes: the reintroduced population exhibited an 87% growth rate, while the source population, following its last reinforcement, showed a 79% increase. The project success can be attributed to a comprehensive understanding of species' ecological requirements and the establishment of a long‐term management plan. Key to our approach was adaptive management, which allowed for flexibility and refinement of protocols during implementation. Meticulous documentation and evaluation of all project activities were instrumental, culminating in the production of standardised annual reports. Additionally, the project was bolstered by strong collaboration among scientists, site managers, government agencies and national media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We tested if the personality of captive-raised western ringtail possums (Pseudocheirus occidentalis), and the impact of other variables would influence their survival after release using radiotelemetry. We hypothesised a greater survival for individuals: (i) bold; (ii) habituated in advance to food collected from the release area; (iii) juveniles instead of adults, because more easily tolerated by wild individuals, and (iv) released in new dreys (nests) as they would not have the strong odour of old dreys and would be less attractive to foxes. After 3 months of radio tracking, out of 143 possums released, 79 died: 51 (64.6%) were preyed upon by European red foxes (Vulpes vulpes). Bold or female individuals had higher survival rates than shy or male individuals (survival rate bold: 53%, shy: 41%, p = 0.046, hazard ratio = 0.352, 95% CI HR [0.126, 0.979]; survival rate females: 44%, males: 35%, p = 0.007, hazard ratio = 2.811, 95% CI HR [1.322, 5.976]). Shooting was a more effective fox control strategy to improve survival compared to baiting (p = 0.019, hazard ratio = 0.167, 95% CI HR [0.038, 0.742]). Our results demonstrate that the control of introduced predators is critical for the success of reintroductions of this critically endangered species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Cultural divergence refers to changes over time in behavioural traits. These cultural changes could have important implications for conservation planning, and impact the success of conservation efforts such as translocations. Aims: Here, we investigate the extent, and potential impacts, of cultural divergence in two isolated populations of the Floreana mockingbird (Mimus trifasciatus) on the Galápagos Islands. Methods: Using contemporary recordings of vocalisations we test for spatial vocal differentiation between mockingbird populations. Furthermore, we explore the potential drivers of change using morphological measurements and historical recordings of the species. Key results: We found evidence of spatial and temporal differentiation in vocalisations between the two populations of the Floreana mockingbird. We accurately classified over 75% of the birds to the correct populations based on multivariate measures of audio recordings using canonical analysis of principal coordinates (CAP). We also found significant differences in morphometrics between populations; specifically, beak depth was associated with frequency modulation, an acoustic measure that is significantly different between populations. Furthermore, we found evidence of change in the complexity of the vocalisations over a period of 57 years. Conclusions: Cultural divergence was found in the two remaining populations of this endangered species. Factors such as changes in morphology and cultural drift might have been influenced the change in vocalisation across time and populations. Implications: We highlight the importance of considering behavioural factors when planning reintroductions of endangered species where there is a need to minimise the risk of assortative mating so as to maximise genetic diversity. Cultural changes could have important implications for conservation planning, and impact the success of conservation efforts. We studied the cultural divergence between the last remaining population of the Floreana mockingbird. Anticipating potential challenges caused by cultural divergence will increase the likelihood of success of the species reintroduction to Floreana Island on the Galápagos Islands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Freshwater megafauna, such as sturgeons, giant catfishes, river dolphins, hippopotami, crocodylians, large turtles, and giant salamanders, have experienced severe population declines and range contractions worldwide. Although there is an increasing number of studies investigating the causes of megafauna losses in fresh waters, little attention has been paid to synthesising the impacts of megafauna on the abiotic environment and other organisms in freshwater ecosystems, and hence the consequences of losing these species. This limited understanding may impede the development of policies and actions for their conservation and restoration. In this review, we synthesise how megafauna shape ecological processes in freshwater ecosystems and discuss their potential for enhancing ecosystem restoration. Through activities such as movement, burrowing, and dam and nest building, megafauna have a profound influence on the extent of water bodies, flow dynamics, and the physical structure of shorelines and substrata, increasing habitat heterogeneity. They enhance nutrient cycling within fresh waters, and cross‐ecosystem flows of material, through foraging and reproduction activities. Freshwater megafauna are highly connected to other freshwater organisms via direct consumption of species at different trophic levels, indirect trophic cascades, and through their influence on habitat structure. The literature documenting the ecological impacts of freshwater megafauna is not evenly distributed among species, regions, and types of ecological impacts, with a lack of quantitative evidence for large fish, crocodylians, and turtles in the Global South and their impacts on nutrient flows and food‐web structure. In addition, population decline, range contraction, and the loss of large individuals have reduced the extent and magnitude of megafaunal impacts in freshwater ecosystems, rendering a posteriori evaluation more difficult. We propose that reinstating freshwater megafauna populations holds the potential for restoring key ecological processes such as disturbances, trophic cascades, and species dispersal, which will, in turn, promote overall biodiversity and enhance nature's contributions to people. Challenges for restoration actions include the shifting baseline syndrome, potential human–megafauna competition for habitats and resources, damage to property, and risk to human life. The current lack of historical baselines for natural distributions and population sizes of freshwater megafauna, their life history, trophic interactions with other freshwater species, and interactions with humans necessitates further investigation. Addressing these knowledge gaps will improve our understanding of the ecological roles of freshwater megafauna and support their full potential for facilitating the development of effective conservation and restoration strategies to achieve the coexistence of humans and megafauna. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conservation translocations are widely used to recover threatened species, but can pose risks to recipient ecosystems, particularly in the case of conservation introductions. Because of limited data and uncertainty, risk assessments for such projects often rely on extrapolated evidence and expert opinion, further complicating decision making. The Environmental Impact Classification for Alien Taxa (EICAT) serves to classify the realised impacts of invasive species. We developed a protocol combining EICAT and formal expert elicitation to predict these impacts. We applied our protocol to the extinct-in-the-wild sihek (Guam kingfisher; Todiramphus cinnamominus), for which introduction outside the known historical range is being considered. We elicited from multiple experts probability estimates of impact levels across four impact mechanisms and five candidate release sites. We aggregated estimates using simulation-based and Bayesian approaches, with and without accounting for expert confidence. Experts generally agreed that sihek introduction might impact the recipient ecosystem through predation, competition, and disease, although they disagreed about the likely impact levels. Releases to Palmyra Atoll were considered to pose the lowest risk across candidate sites, so this site was selected for further detailed ecological assessments and risk mitigation efforts. EICAT, with its standardized impact mechanisms and definitions, helped reduce the linguistic uncertainty and subjectivity common to expert-based assessments. Expressing judgments as probabilities allowed us to evaluate uncertainty transparently and to assess the weight of expert confidence on the overall risk estimation. Formal quantitative elicitation and aggregation then allowed a transparent evaluation of results, facilitating communication with stakeholders and decision-makers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wildlife reintroduction is an important conservation tool for threatened species, yet identifying appropriate source populations poses a challenge. In particular, the possibility of outbreeding depression is cited as a constraint limiting the range of candidate source populations for translocation. When multiple source lineages are mixed during reintroduction, genetic monitoring is necessary to evaluate whether sources contribute equally to subsequent generations and whether they are interbreeding as expected. Moreover, statistical analysis of genetic data should account for complex life histories that might affect the timescale of admixture and genetic drift. Here, we use samples collected over a 23-year period and a stochastic age-structured model to analyze the genetic mixing process in reintroduced Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) populations in the Southern Appalachians. Each restored population was seeded with two to three source populations. Previous research inferred reproductive isolation between source populations leading to a proposal of splitting the species into multiple taxa. In contrast, we found patterns of ancestry that were consistent with random mating and no advantage for one source lineage over any other. Brook Trout from different source streams are mixing as expected in the restoration sites. This result does not support the hypothesis that Brook Trout in the Southern Appalachian Mountains includes several distinct species. Mixing different sources from the same watershed seems to be an effective way to increase genetic diversity of reintroduced populations while minimizing risk to source populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The range of keystone species is increasing in some parts of the world, particularly Europe, through a combination of natural recolonization, government‐sanctioned and covert reintroductions. Reintroductions are an important conservation tool, particularly in the increasingly popular approach of rewilding.There is relatively little understanding of the politics, broadly conceived, of species reintroduction, particularly around how people who live alongside these newly introduced species might react, and what underpins this reaction, and how the method of reintroduction affects reactions.Here, we explore these issues through a case of beavers in central Scotland, which were covertly reintroduced. We explore opposition to reintroduction as manifest in beaver killing and dam destruction by land managers, quantifying these using the sensitive 'bean count' method.We also explore what underpins land managers' reactions, particularly their views and values around land and land management.We found considerable resistance. We found that beaver killing and dam destruction were widespread, both before and after beavers became a protected species. Nevertheless, beaver populations and ranges in Scotland continue to grow.We found attitudes were grounded in a strong set of relational values around land custodianship. We find a range of views towards beavers, including widespread opposition, particularly regarding the covert nature of beaver introduction, the challenge beavers and beaver protection provide to ideas of proper land management and custodianship, and a lack of trust in formal methods of beaver governance.We argue that species reintroductions policies and research should give careful consideration to potential opposition, its material impacts on reintroduction projects and how it is grounded in wider environmental values and politics. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Restoring ecological dynamics is a key objective of conservation translocations. Exemplarily, reconnecting the reintroduced alpine populations with native Pyrenean populations through re‐establishing locally extinct populations in between, in the Causses and the Pre‐Alps, is a major goal for the long‐term conservation of Bearded Vultures in Europe. Understanding Bearded Vultures' post‐release movements and foraging behavior is critical to understanding the settlement of newly restored populations and to supporting conservation measures. The telemetric monitoring of 43 translocated and wild‐born juveniles allowed us to investigate whether differences exist in post‐release movements and foraging behavior during the first year of life between reintroduced and native populations. Medium‐ and long‐distance exploration movements start during the spring following fledging for both translocated and wild‐born individuals. However, birds translocated in the most distant release site (Causses) exhibited greater exploration distances with no clear directional movement pattern, had smaller home ranges, and had a stronger preference for supplementary feeding stations than those from other populations. Although some birds translocated in the Pre‐Alps displayed similar behaviors, the pattern is not as strong as in the Causses, likely because of the proximity to the breeding populations reintroduced in the Alps or differences in the number and management of supplementary feeding stations. Preference for supplementary feeding stations (SFS) mostly occurred in the Pre‐Alps and the native populations, but was lower in the Causses. Seasonal variations in SFS preference were consistent among populations, with a peak in the first spring following fledging. Beyond documenting post‐release movements in Bearded Vultures, we suggest better accounting for the demographic consequences of behaviors to track conservation translocation effectiveness, at both local and regional scales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Eurasian beaver is an ecosystem engineer species capable of altering the riparian vegetation and the hydrology of freshwater habitats. The study of its distribution process is therefore important for both nature conservation and conflict management. Thanks to protection efforts and natural expansion, the beaver has already inhabited most of its former range, starting from the brink of extinction. The changes in the Eurasian distribution and population size have been continuously documented in the scientific literature. In these studies, however, Hungary, as a country with an important position along the beavers' colonisation routes provided by the Danube drainage basin, has hitherto been underrepresented due to a severe lack of data. In this paper, we summarise all the available information about the thirty-year history, colonisation process, current distribution, as well as the management of the Hungarian population. Based on the newest available data, the beaver is present along all of the large rivers and along most permanent watercourses in the country. Despite the continuing growth trend of the population, a beaver management strategy has not yet been developed. Its establishment could be significantly supported by further monitoring surveys and scientific studies focusing on the region- and site-specific ecological effects of the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Species reintroductions have the potential to cause genetic bottleneck events resulting in increased genetic drift, increased inbreeding, and reduced genetic diversity creating negative fitness consequences for populations. Roosevelt elk (Cervus canadensis roosevelti Erxleben, 1777) are "at risk" in British Columbia (BC), Canada. Once widespread along the west coast, Roosevelt elk were likely extirpated from the mainland by 1900 and experienced a substantial population bottleneck on Vancouver Island at that time, and again in the 1950s. Reintroduced to the mainland from Vancouver Island in the 1980s, this re-established population became the source for subsequent mainland translocations. To understand the effects of reintroduction strategy on genetic diversity, we analyzed genetic variation in 355 Roosevelt elk from Vancouver Island and mainland BC. Using mitochondrial DNA and 10 microsatellite loci, molecular analyses showed overall reduced genetic diversity relative to other extant elk populations, genetic isolation of the southern Vancouver Island population, and increased genetic drift among reintroduced herds. Four reintroduced populations were found to have increased levels of inbreeding. Results of this study contribute to our knowledge of reintroduction biology and can be used to guide continued conservation and management of at-risk species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the complexities of reintroducing cheetahs in India as part of the Project Cheetah initiative. The authors address the challenges of extrapolating data from African cheetah populations to predict the space use of cheetahs in India's Kuno National Park. They highlight the differences in ecosystems, vegetation, and human activity between the two regions, which may affect cheetah movement patterns. The article also mentions the strategies employed by Project Cheetah to manage cheetahs' ranging patterns and mitigate conflicts with humans and other animals. The authors emphasize the need for empirical data on cheetah spatial ecology in India and stress the importance of adaptive management in the reintroduction process. Overall, the article provides insights into the complexities of reintroducing cheetahs and emphasizes the need for time and careful planning to ensure the success of conservation and restoration projects. [Extracted from the article]

Species reintroduction is a management strategy to restore ecosystem functioning through the reestablishment of ecological interactions and related ecological processes, like pollination and seed dispersal. Selecting the best species to achieve this goal remains challenging. We present a trait‐based framework to estimate the effects of species reintroductions on seed dispersal and pollination. Our framework assesses the potential contribution of a consumer species (e.g. seed disperser) by considering both the originality of its interactions and the availability of resources it consumes. Originality refers to the degree of uniqueness versus redundancy of a species' interactions compared with the interactions of the current consumer community. Resource availability, defined by the distribution of trait values in the resource community that enable interactions (like fruit size), determines the potential magnitude of a species' effect. The framework also allows assigning different weights to unique interactions, thereby facilitating decisions on whether to prioritize species that potentially add unique interactions if selected for reintroduction. Using our framework, we compared the potential effects of two reintroduced frugivores (agoutis and howler monkeys) on seed dispersal in an Atlantic Forest site. While both species have similar potential effects when not accounting for interaction originality, howlers interact with more common fruit's trait values, whereas agoutis have more unique interactions and with a broader variety of trait values. We also provide ways of generalizing our approach to include other factors, e.g. species abundances, to assess the consequences of other scenarios affecting community composition, such as species extinctions and invasions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Landscape productivity and resource dispersion are key drivers of the movement patterns of many species. In less productive environments, home ranges are generally larger as individuals travel further to access resources. The greater bilby (Macrotis lagotis) has been reintroduced to several feral predator exclosures to reduce their extinction risk. Understanding how landscape productivity and resource dispersion influence bilby space use is critical to enable effective management of populations in exclosures. At two exclosures, we tested three hypotheses: 1. Bilbies would preferentially utilize habitats with sandy substrates (<20% clay content), as they are suitable for digging burrows and foraging pits; 2. Home ranges would be larger at the arid site compared to the semi‐arid site due to lower productivity and patchier distribution of preferred habitats; and 3. Bilbies would travel further each night at the arid site to access preferred habitats. Rainfall was used as an indicator of productivity, and dispersion of preferred habitats as an indicator of resource dispersion. The study was undertaken during average rainfall conditions and under similar bilby population densities at both sites. GPS loggers recorded home ranges and movements of 10 bilbies at the arid site, and 11 bilbies at the semi‐arid site. Seventeen of the 21 bilbies preferentially utilized habitats with sandy substrates, which were less abundant at the arid site. There were no significant differences in home range size or nightly movements between the sites for either sex. We suggest the average rainfall conditions at both sites, and the dietary flexibility of bilbies, supported the maintenance of relatively small and stable home ranges (particularly for females). The effects of landscape productivity and resource dispersion on bilby space use are more likely to be evident during extended periods of below average rainfall. Bilby home range studies during low rainfall conditions (e.g. drought) are required for the effective, long‐term management of exclosure populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficacy of a low fermentable oligo-, di-, monosaccharides and polyols (FODMAP) diet in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is well established. After the elimination period, a reintroduction phase aims to identify triggers. We studied the impact of a blinded reintroduction using FODMAP powders to objectively identify triggers and evaluated the effect on symptoms, quality of life, and psychosocial comorbidities. Responders to a 6-week low FODMAP diet, defined by a drop in IBS symptom severity score (IBS-SSS) compared with baseline, entered a 9-week blinded randomized reintroduction phase with 6 FODMAP powders (fructans, fructose, galacto-oligosaccharides, lactose, mannitol, sorbitol) or control (glucose). A rise in IBS-SSS (≥50 points) defined a FODMAP trigger. Patients completed daily symptom diaries and questionnaires for quality of life and psychosocial comorbidities. In 117 recruited patients with IBS, IBS-SSS improved significantly after the elimination period compared with baseline (150 ± 116 vs 301 ± 97, P <.0001, 80% responders). Symptom recurrence was triggered in 85% of the FODMAP powders, by an average of 2.5 ± 2 FODMAPs/patient. The most prevalent triggers were fructans (56%) and mannitol (54%), followed by galacto-oligosaccharides, lactose, fructose, sorbitol, and glucose (respectively 35%, 28%, 27%, 23%, and 26%) with a significant increase in abdominal pain at day 1 for sorbitol/mannitol, day 2 for fructans/galacto-oligosaccharides, and day 3 for lactose. We confirmed the significant benefit of the low FODMAP diet in tertiary-care IBS. A blinded reintroduction revealed a personalized pattern of symptom recurrence, with fructans and mannitol as the most prevalent, and allows the most objective identification of individual FODMAP triggers. Ethical commission University hospital of Leuven reference number: s63629; Clinicaltrials.gov number: NCT04373304. We studied the impact of a blinded reintroduction using fermentable oligo-, di-, monosaccharides and polyols (FODMAP) powders to identify triggering FODMAPs. It allows the most objective identification of individual triggers and would optimize clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sable (Martes zibellina L.) range extends from the western slopes of the Ural Mountains to the Far East. Sable has a complex intraspecific structure; geographic populations differ in a number of morphological traits. Unregulated sable hunting for several centuries, forest fires and industrialization of Siberia led to a sharp decline in the species' population size and the fragmentation of its habitat by the beginning of the twentieth century. In some regions of Siberia, the species was almost completely exterminated. To restore the sable population, along with a complete ban on hunting, large-scale sable reintroductions were made in the middle of the twentieth century. About 11.7–11.8 thousand animals were brought from the Baikal-Patom region of the Baikal Mountain Country to Western and Eastern Siberia. Reintroduced sables survived in the new territories and formed naturalized populations. We studied the allele frequency distribution of 15 microsatellite loci of 474 sable specimens from 14 native and six naturalized sable populations in the Central Siberian Plateau and adjacent territories. The results of the analysis of genetic diversity, differentiation and population structure indicate the presence of five clusters in the study area, four of which are formed by native populations and one that includes a native population from the Patom donor area and all six naturalized populations. Both large-scale reintroductions and a complete ban on hunting have contributed to the restoration of sable populations in Siberia, which have become a continuous sable range. An analysis of genetic structure in historical and geographic context can be useful in studying the effects of introduction or reintroduction when considering the stages of introduction-naturalization-invasion continuum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the decline of parasitic freshwater mussel populations and the need for conservation methods, particularly captive breeding, to reintroduce and protect these species. The focus is on the Depressed River Mussel (Pseudanodonta complanata), which is classified as vulnerable. The article presents a novel method for the long-term housing and husbandry of P. complanata, inspired by an outdoor mesocosm system used in Virginia, USA. The method involves creating a lake-like ecosystem with natural food sources for the mussels, reducing the reliance on nutrient-rich water or expensive custom food mixtures. The article also highlights the successful reproduction of P. complanata in captivity using this method and suggests further research to test its scalability and potential for juvenile mussel production. [Extracted from the article]