Pre-Release Hunting Training and Post-Release Monitoring are Key Components in the Rehabilitation of Orphaned Large Felids

Abstract

The rehabilitation of orphaned animals is commonly practiced but rarely scientifically documented. The behavioural development before release (e.g. regarding hunting skills) is particularly important for ensuring animals are self-sustaining after release. We document the rehabilitation and release of three confiscated cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) cubs and one leopard (Panthera pardus) cub, which were taken from the wild in Botswana. The animals were raised with minimal human contact and the development of their hunting skills was observed and assisted by limited pre-release training. After release, all animals were monitored and data showed they successfully hunted, with behavioural patterns similar to wild conspecifics. All established stable home ranges at the release site. Home ranges of the cheetahs ranged from 44 to 121 km 2 , travelling primarily during the early morning and evening, ranging from 4.5 to 9.4 km/day. While the leopard survived and probably reproduced within a stable home range (449 km 2 ), all three cheetahs were shot within 7 months of release. Therefore, although orphaned large felids can successfully hunt after release using appropriate rehabilitation techniques, they face the same human-carnivore conflicts of their wild counterparts. Our study demonstrates the indispensable but commonly neglected need for post-release monitoring in wildlife rehabilitation.

Financial Costs of Large Carnivore Translocations – Accounting for Conservation

“…1a). Our high costs for rehabilitations correspond with those for other long-term care cases of the same species [19], [20]. The limited release success of captive carnivores [2], [19], [63], [64] coupled with high costs for these subjects suggests that their use in translocations should generally be avoided.…”

Evaluation of a Conflict-Related Brown Hyaena Translocation in Central Namibia

“…N055's premature age probably contributed to this success, as young brown hyaenas usually display submissive behaviours during intraspecific encounters (Mills, 1981;Mills, 1983b), immigrate or become nomadic (Mills, 1982). The animal's extensive and immediate exploratory movements are consistent with post-release behaviour of other large carnivores (see Bradley et al, 2005;Houser et al, 2011;Priatna, Santosal, Prasetyo & Kartono, 2012;Riley, Aune, Mace & Madel, 1994;Ruth, Logan, Sweanor, Hornocker & Temple, 1998;Weilenmann et al, 2010). The hyaena left the target release area and died less than six months post-release, therefore failing to achieve true translocation success.…”

“…The necessity and value of rigorous post-release monitoring to improve conservation management and elucidate translocation biology have been emphasized (e.g. Fischer & Lindenmayer, 2000;Houser, Gusset, Bragg, Boast & Somers, 2011;Gusset et al, 2008). The controversy around conflict-translocations is further complicated when individuals from social species are moved solitarily (Mills & Hofer, 1998).…”

No Extinction (NEX):

“…Segundo a Instrução Normativa do ICMBio Nº 24, de 31 de dezembro de 2014, que define as diretrizes e procedimentos para a destinação de animais silvestres apreendidos, resgatados ou entregues voluntariamente, reabilitação é a "ação planejada que visa à preparação e ao treinamento de animais que serão reintegrados ao ambiente natural". Entretanto, de maneira geral, a reabilitação de animais silvestres é pouco documentada na literatura científica, o que dificulta a determinação do seu sucesso (HOUSER, 2008;HOUSER et al, 2011 (HOUSER, 2008;HOUSER et al, 2011). Marini & Marinho Filho (2006) A liberação dos protocolos para a soltura do Ferinha, foi demorada.…”