Early post-release movement of reintroduced lions (Panthera leo) in Dinokeng Game Reserve, Gauteng, South Africa

Abstract

Reintroductions have been increasingly used in carnivore conservation. Animal movement influences fitness and survival and is the first behavioural response of reintroduced animals to „forced dispersal‟ in a new habitat. However, information available on early post-release movement of reintroduced carnivores remains limited. We studied movements of 11 reintroduced lions (Panthera leo) in Dinokeng Game Reserve, South Africa, in their first season of release and investigated changes in movements over time. Movement patterns of lions were more diverse than expected and varied between sexes and individual groups. Some lion groups returned to the area surrounding the release site after initial exploration and avoided human settlements, suggesting that vegetation and human disturbances influenced dispersal upon release. Cumulative home range size continued to increase for all lions despite individual differences in movement patterns. We highlight the importance of considering the variation in individual-specific behaviour and movement patterns to assess early establishment and reintroduction success.