Restoring lions Panthera leo to northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa : short-term biological and technical success but equivocal long-term conservation

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Authors

Hunter, Luke T.B.
Pretorius, K.
Carlisle, L.C.
Rickelton, M.
Walker, C.
Slotow, Robert
Skinner, J.D. (John Dawson), 1932-

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Cambridge University Press

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.

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Keywords

KwaZulu-Natal, Phinda, Panthera leo, Lion, South Africa, Species restoration

Sustainable Development Goals

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]