dc.contributor.author |
Hunter, Luke T.B.
|
|
dc.contributor.author |
Pretorius, K.
|
|
dc.contributor.author |
Carlisle, L.C.
|
|
dc.contributor.author |
Rickelton, M.
|
|
dc.contributor.author |
Walker, C.
|
|
dc.contributor.author |
Slotow, Robert
|
|
dc.contributor.author |
Skinner, J.D. (John Dawson), 1932-
|
|
dc.date.accessioned |
2008-06-13T07:24:41Z |
|
dc.date.available |
2008-06-13T07:24:41Z |
|
dc.date.issued |
2007-04 |
|
dc.description.abstract |
The success of efforts to re-establish mammalian carnivores within their former range is dependent on three key factors : methodological considerations, the biological requirements of the target species, and the involvement of local human communities for whom large carnivores pose a threat. We consider the role of these factors in the first 13 years of an effort to re-establish wild lions in northern KwaZulu Natal Province, South Africa. We employed soft-release methods to mitigate the characteristic problems associated with restoration of large carnivores. A pre-release captivity period facilitated acclimatization of reintroduced lions and promoted long-term bonding of unfamiliar individuals into cohesive groups. All individuals remained in the release area and established enduring, stable home ranges. Reintroduced lions successfully reproduced and raised 78% of their cubs to independence. Human activity was the cause of all post-release mortality. Despite rapid population growth and the re-establishment of the species at Phinda Private Game Reserve, the population is small and isolated with little prospect for re-colonizing additional areas where the species has been extirpated, or for connecting with other isolated lion populations in the region. Accordingly, although we essentially overcame the short-term technical and biological challenges facing lion reintroduction, the long-term value of the Phinda population for addressing the conservation issues facing the species remains equivocal. |
en |
dc.description.sponsorship |
This research was funded by CC Africa, the IUCN Cat Specialist Group, a Pittsburgh Zoo Conservation Fund Award, a University of Pretoria Research Assistantship (to LTBH) and grants from the Foundation for Research Development and W.H. Craib Memorial Trust (to JDS). |
en |
dc.format.extent |
260455 bytes |
|
dc.format.mimetype |
application/pdf |
|
dc.identifier.citation |
Hunter, LTB, Pretorius, K, Carlisle, LC, Rickelton, M, Walker, C, Slotow, R & Skinner, JD 2007 ‘Restoring lions Panthera leo to northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa : short-term biological and technical success but equivocal long-term conservation’, Oryx, vol. 41, no. 2, pp. 196-204. [http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayJournal?jid=ORX] |
en |
dc.identifier.issn |
0030-6053 |
|
dc.identifier.uri |
http://hdl.handle.net/2263/5907 |
|
dc.language.iso |
en |
en |
dc.publisher |
Cambridge University Press |
en |
dc.rights |
Cambridge University Press |
en |
dc.subject |
KwaZulu-Natal |
en |
dc.subject |
Phinda |
en |
dc.subject |
Panthera leo |
en |
dc.subject |
Lion |
en |
dc.subject |
South Africa |
en |
dc.subject |
Species restoration |
en |
dc.subject.lcsh |
Lions -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal |
en |
dc.subject.lcsh |
Felidae -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal |
en |
dc.subject.lcsh |
Wildlife reintroduction -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal |
en |
dc.subject.other |
Veterinary science articles SDG-15 |
|
dc.subject.other |
SDG-15: Life on land |
|
dc.title |
Restoring lions Panthera leo to northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa : short-term biological and technical success but equivocal long-term conservation |
en |
dc.type |
Postprint Article |
en |