A new home

To improve genetic heterogeneity of separate populations of a species

Economic development; to improve hunting,fishing

To re-establish species where barriers might prevent it from doing so naturally

Ornamentation

Types of translocation

Introduction: Introducing the species to a place outside its historically known native range

Re-introduction: Introducing it into a part of its native range from which it has disappeared in historic times as a result of human activities or natural catastrophe.

Re-stocking: Introducing more individuals in an original habitat.

Guidelines for translocation of animals

by the IUCN/SSC Re-Introduction Specialist Group

Must be done only if there are clear and well-defined benefits to man or natural communities

Alien species must never be introduced into natural habitats

Proper assessment,planning and testing should be done before the animals are released

No species should be released for which a control is not possible

Removal of individuals to be introduced must not put the original stock in danger

The Asiatic Lion Re-Introduction Project

Started in 1990 by the Wildlife Institute of India

1893: 18

1968: 177

2010: 411

Asiatic Lion in India

In 1958,one lion and two lionesses were introduced in Chandra Prabha Sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh from Gir. Although the numbers initially grew,all the lions disappeared inexplicably in the late 60s.

Factors that may influence the success or failure of translocation

Climate and natural environment

Effect on already existing biotic community

Attitudes of local people

Number of animals released

Failures in history

Chiricahua Leopard Frog: From 1996,hundreds of these frogs were released at numerous sites in the Black River,Arizona. However,fewer and fewer frogs were later detected and since 2009,no frog has been detected at the sites.

Mosquitofish were famously bred and introduced in sites across the world in the early 1900s to control populations of mosquitoes,as they feed on mosquito larvae. However,though they have been responsible for eradicating malaria in several places,many countries also reported the destruction of their ecosystems because of the propensity of the mosquitofish to prey heavily on the eggs and young of co-occurring fish species or to compete with them. This species has received nomination to be listed as one of the worlds worst invaders by the Invasive Species Specialist Group ISSG 2006.

Cane toads were introduced in Australia in June 1935 to control the native cane beetle,which ate into sugarcane crops. The toads unexpectedly exploded in population from around a 100 individuals to 200 million. They poisoned,competed with,and ate their way through the natural ecosystem and migrated to most parts of the country,until Australia was forced to label the toad as one of the greatest threats to its biodiversity. Australias struggle to eradicate the cane toad is still on,and has become a world-famous cultural symbol.

The red fox is another species introduced to Australia that ended up growing rapidly and causing great ecological harm. It was introduced in the early 1830s,and is held responsible for extinction of at least 10 species and a decline in numbers of several others

Successes in history

1 In 1995,66 grey wolves were released in Idaho and the Yellowstone National Park of USA,in order to rebalance the ecosystem,which had seen a boom in elk and coyote numbers and a decimation of species of plants. It is estimated that there are now more than 1,600 wolves in the Rocky Mountain recovery area.

2 In 1968,around 2,75,000 dung beetles brought from Hawaii were released in Australia to do what native species of dung beetle were not evolved to doprocess the dung of cattle. The introduction led to a massive jump in agricultural productivity,as well as reduction in the number of dung-breeding flies and worms.

3 In 1969,to re-introduce white storks,whose population had dwindled to only one adult pair in the Netherlands,breeding stations and artificial nests were set up in different areas and several captivity-bred pairs were released. By 2008,around 700 breeding pairs were being reported.

INDIAs other attempts

The Cheetah plan: After the Asiatic Cheetah became extinct in India in the mid-20th century,India tried to get Iran to send one live pair. When Iran refused,plans were made to introduce cheetahs from Africa. However,experts in India argued that not only did it violate IUCN guidelines,but the project was being used to delay the translocation project of Gir lions to Madhya Pradesh. The SC put cheetah re-introduction on hold.

Other translocation projects are,however,in motion. 20 Barasingha are planned to be translocated from Kanha National Park Madhya Pradesh to Satpura Tiger Reserve MP. Around 40 Gaur Indian bison were similarly translocated from Kanha to Bandhavgarh National Park MP in 2011/ 2012. The latter project has already some shown success. Tigers have also been re-introduced in Sariska National Park