Carnivore translocations and conservation: insights from population models and field data for fishers (Martes pennanti).

ABSTRACT: Translocations are frequently used to restore extirpated carnivore populations. Understanding the factors that influence translocation success is important because carnivore translocations can be time consuming, expensive, and controversial. Using population viability software, we modeled reintroductions of the fisher, a candidate for endangered or threatened status in the Pacific states of the US. Our model predicts that the most important factor influencing successful re-establishment of a fisher population is the number of adult females reintroduced (provided some males are also released). Data from 38 translocations of fishers in North America, including 30 reintroductions, 5 augmentations and 3 introductions, show that the number of females released was, indeed, a good predictor of su

SUBMITTER: Lewis JC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3314015 | biostudies-literature | 2012

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature