Hunter, Luke T.B.Pretorius, K.Carlisle, L.C.Rickelton, M.Walker, C.Slotow, RobertSkinner, J.D. (John Dawson), 1932-2008-06-132008-06-132007-04Hunter, 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]0030-6053http://hdl.handle.net/2263/5907The 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.260455 bytesapplication/pdfenCambridge University PressKwaZulu-NatalPhindaPanthera leoLionSouth AfricaSpecies restorationLions -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-NatalFelidae -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-NatalWildlife reintroduction -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-NatalVeterinary science articles SDG-15SDG-15: Life on landPostprint Article