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.
