Conservation Biology Framework for the Release of Wild-Born Orphaned Chimpanzees into the Conkouati Reserve, Congo

Abstract

Returning confiscated animals to their native habitats is desirable when it makes a positive contribution to the conservation of the species. Release of captive individuals is complex and controversial, however, particularly when risks are potentially high, as in the case of orphaned apes. We describe the decision-making process that led to the successive release of 20 wild-born orphan chimpanzees ( Pan troglodytes troglodytes ) into the Conkouati Reserve in the Republic of Congo. Recommendations of the Reintroduction Specialist Group of the World Conservation Union's Species Survival Commission were followed closely. The conservation status, ecology, and behavior of wild chimpanzees; the biological, social, economic and political context of the release site; and the health and genetic status of the candidates for release were all taken into account in the planning and execution of the project. Rigorous post-release monitoring of behavior and health allowed documentation of the outcome. The project was of benefit to the chimpanzees that were released but also brought broad benefits to the site through effective protection from poaching and deforestation, and direct and indirect benefits to local people. The genetic and behavioral diversity of chimpanzees require a variety of conservation strategies to reduce threats and maintain as many viable wild populations as possible. Marco de Trabajo de Conservación Biológica para la Liberación de Chimpancés Huérfanos Silvestres Nacidos en la Reserva Conkouati, CongoResumen: El retorno de animales confiscados a sus hábitats nativos es deseable cuando ocasiona una contribución positiva para la conservación de la especie. Sin embargo, la liberación de individuos cautivos es compleja y controversial, particularmente cuando los riesgos son potencialmente altos, como es el caso de los monos huérfanos. Describimos el proceso de toma de decisiones que condujo a la liberación de exitosa de 20 chimpancés silvestres huérfanos ( Pan troglodytes troglodytes ) dentro de la Reserva Conkouati de la República de Congo. Las recomendaciones del Grupo de especialistas en reintroducción de la UICN-SSC fueron seguidas de cerca. El estatus de conservación, ecología y conducta de los chimpancés silvestres; el contexto biológico, social, económico y político del sitio de liberación y la salud y estatus genético de los candidatos a ser liberados fueron también tomados en consideración en la planeación y ejecución del proyecto. El monitoreo riguroso post-liberación de la conducta y salud permitió la documentación de los resultados. El proyecto fue § § Current address: Le benéfico para los chimpancés liberados pero también trajo beneficios amplios al sitio mediante la protección efectiva de la caza fortuita y la deforestación y beneficios directos e indirectos para la población humana local. La diversidad genética y conductual de los chimpancés requiere de una variedad de estrategias de conservación para reducir las amenazas y mantener cuantas poblaciones silvestres viables sean posibles.

The Release of a Troop of Rehabilitated Vervet Monkeys (Chlorocebus aethiops) in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: Outcomes and Assessment

“…This is comparable to Wimberger et al [2010] who reported an average survival rate of 33.5% after 10 months. As with Color version available online previous studies of rehabilitated primates [Suarez et al, 2001;Tutin et al, 2001;Wimberger et al, 2010], missing animals were an issue and their fate remains unknown. If missing animals are presumed dead, the mortality rate may have been as high as 68% over 12 months, considerably higher than the average reported rate of 22% per year in the wild population of vervet monkeys in Amboseli National Park, Kenya [Isbell, 1990].…”

“…Furthermore, we suggest a community outreach programme as recommended by the IUCN [Baker, 2002], involving both rehabilitation centres and the government, to attempt to raise awareness about wildlife protection and to reduce the impacts of illegal hunting in protected areas in South Africa. Strategies to avoid conflict with humans in other primate release projects have included selection of a release site isolated from humans [de Silva, 1971;King et al, 2005], and exclusion of habituated animals from release [Tutin et al, 2001].…”

Assessing Initial Reintroduction Success in Long-Lived Primates by Quantifying Survival, Reproduction, and Dispersal Parameters: Western Lowland Gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) in Congo and Gabon

“…Reintroduction is an increasingly common, although often controversial, tool in the conservation of endangered species (Fischer and Lindenmayer 2000;Griffith et al 1989;Sarrazin and Barbault 1996;Seddon et al 2007;Tutin et al 2001;Wolf et al 1996). Postrelease monitoring is an important aspect of reintroduction projects (Beck et al 2007;IUCN 2002;Seddon 1999), the results of which can be used to answer many questions related to the reintroduction project itself, to the focal species as a whole, or to general ecological principles (Armstrong and Seddon 2008;Nicoll et al 2003;Parker 2008;Sarrazin and Barbault 1996;Seddon et al 2007).…”

The Disturbance of Resident Populations of Field Voles (Microtus agrestis) by Immigrants

“…Knowing the behaviour of individuals and the social system of species seems therefore crucial for the success of reinforcement projects (Lonsdorf 2007). As an example, reintroductions of male chimpanzees into wild populations often failed due to the high aggressiveness of resident males towards them (Tutin et al 2001), whereas releasing young females is more successful, as they are less likely to be attacked by residents or to disturb local populations (Goossens et al 2005). We cannot exclude the possibility that the introduction of young, immature field voles would have induced different responses from residents.…”