4 research outputs found
Evaluation of a conflict-related brown hyaena translocation in central Namibia
The distribution of the brown hyaena (Hyaena brunnea) in southern Africa overlaps widely
with commercial livestock ranching.As a direct result,both perceived and confirmed conflict
with farmers occurs and hyaenas are trapped for lethal control or translocation.We studied
the outcomes of a conflict-related brown hyaena translocation in Central Namibia involving a
subadult female – the first reported GPS-monitored translocation of this species. The animal
was moved 63 km from the conflict site and after exploratory movements settled into a new
home range incorporating resident conspecifics. The hyaena caused no further conflict and
did not return home to its original capture site where livestock depredation ceased. The
hyaena was killed in a road accident five months after release. We assess and review our
results (and brown hyaena translocations in general) with respect to species ecology,
previous translocations as well as monitoring data from resident conspecifics.We provide
supporting information that individual hyaenas can be translocated successfully but
emphasize that decisions need to be made case-specifically considering the age, sex and
social status of the animals. We highlight the importance of brown hyaena sociality when
considering translocation as a management tool.Chester Zoo, U.K., and Colchester Zoo, U.K., for
funding the GPS satellite transponders. The Brown Hyena
Research Project acknowledges support from
Namdeb Diamond Corporation and Nedbank’s Go
Green Fund.http://www.sawma.co.zaam201
Identifying areas of socio-ecological value for the translocation of perceived conflict cheetah (A. jubatus) and leopard (P. pardus) in Namibia
Human-wildlife conflict is an ever-present threat to large carnivores in Namibia due to their distribution across privately owned properties. Translocation techniques are one approach to solving this conservation challenge, but are often regarded as unsuccessful due to new sources of competition, stress, or human conflict for translocated animals. In attempt to mitigate some of these failures, I developed an ArcGIS- (v.10.1, ESRI 2012) based carnivore translocation suitability tool (CaTSuiT) that identifies habitat patches which meet the ecological requirements of leopard and cheetah and accounts for human-development parameters. CaTSuiT ranks potential habitat patches based on landowner tolerance of carnivores (determined by survey) and the uncertainty associated with a patch's designated tolerance due to the number of un-surveyed landowners. The model indicates a large number of available habitat patches for leopard; however, suitable cheetah habitat patches are limited by the amount of suitable areas farther from the recommended minimum homing distance away from a conflict animal's capture location. This tool should be used as a guide to inform conservation managers about where to focus their efforts to help landowners incorporate more tolerant farming practices and improve coexistence between local land-owners and large carnivores
Cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) running the gauntlet: an evaluation of translocations into free-range environments in Namibia
Following dramatic range and population declines, the cheetah is Africa’s most endangered large felid. In Namibia, private land managers still trap cheetahs but increasingly consider moving animals instead of killing them. Across Africa, managers have translocated perceived conflict carnivores for decades, but rarely evaluated their actions. We analyse the outcomes of 15 cheetah translocations (for 23 adults and 10 dependent offspring) into free-range environments in Namibia. We released cheetahs at an average distance of 419.6 km ± 216.1 km SD (range: 71–816 km) after captive periods ranging from 1–1,184 days (350.6 days ± 439.0 days SD). An individual’s ability to survive the first year predominantly determined the overall translocation success of 40%. Post-release conflict and homing had less impact on success. Cheetah survival was lowest in the first three months after release. Human persecution (50% of deaths) and spotted hyaenas (29% of deaths) had the highest effect on survival. The degree of habituation to humans acquired during captivity significantly influenced chances of survival. Cheetahs surviving the initial post-release period (∼90 days) often settled into ranges and females reproduced successfully. However, all individuals exhibited extensive movements, frequently roaming >4,000 km2 in the first six months after release (with a maximum of 19,743 km2 in 112 days), resulting in low release site fidelity. Soft release and larger recipient area size did not improve site fidelity. Based on these outcomes, we evaluated which unfenced conservation areas in Namibia could potentially receive cheetahs. We found that there are currently few public and/or private reserves large enough to contain the movement profiles we observed in this study. This suggests that most translocations will result in cheetahs re-entering farmlands where they face a high risk of persecution. In conclusion, translocations into unconfined areas can successfully conserve individual cheetahs. Due to high mortality and unpredictable outcomes, however, conservation efforts need to focus on improving tolerance of cheetahs in commercial livestock and game farming areas in order to reduce the number of indiscriminately trapped animals
Leopard (Panthera pardus) status, distribution, and the research efforts across its range
The leopard’s (Panthera pardus) broad geographic range, remarkable adaptability, and secretive nature have contributed to a misconception that this species might not be severely threatened across its range. We find that not only are several subspecies and regional populations critically endangered but also the overall range loss is greater than the average for terrestrial large carnivores. To assess the leopard’s status, we compile 6,000 records at 2,500 locations from over 1,300 sources on its historic (post 1750) and current distribution. We map the species across Africa and Asia, delineating areas where the species is confirmed present, is possibly present, is possibly extinct or is almost certainly extinct. The leopard now occupies 25–37% of its historic range, but this obscures important differences between subspecies. Of the nine recognized subspecies, three (P. p. pardus, fusca, and saxicolor) account for 97% of the leopard’s extant range while another three (P. p. orientalis, nimr, and japonensis) have each lost as much as 98% of their historic range. Isolation, small patch sizes, and few remaining patches further threaten the six subspecies that each have less than 100,000 km2 of extant range. Approximately 17% of extant leopard range is protected, although some endangered subspecies have far less. We found that while leopard research was increasing, research effort was primarily on the subspecies with the most remaining range whereas subspecies that are most in need of urgent attention were neglected