Charles Clover, The Telegraph 20 Jan 08;
Most carnivores bred in captivity and released back into the wild fail to cope and die, according to a study published on Monday.
Researchers are calling for a complete rethink of such reintroductions before others are carried out, including the suggested release of animals such as the lynx, wildcat and wolf into Scotland.
The study looked at reintroductions involving such carnivores as lynx, Amur tiger, cheetah, brown bear and otter, and found only one in three captive-bred animals released into their natural habitat survived.
Most of the deaths were caused by human activities, suggested the captive-bred animals were too trusting of humans, and some starved to death because they did not know how to hunt.
Kirsten Jule, lead author of the paper, said: "Animals in captivity do not usually have the natural behaviours needed for success in the wild. Their lack of hunting skills and their lack of fear towards humans are major disadvantages.
"We have suspected for some time that captive-born animals fared less well than wild animals, but here it is finally quantified, and the extent of the problem is critical."
The scientists from Exeter University looked at 45 reintroductions, involving 17 carnivore species. It found that over half the animals were killed by humans, generally in shootings and car accidents.
For example, of 46 captive-bred lynx released into Switzerland, only 15 survived.
Five wolves released into Yellowstone national park in the United States were shot by ranchers bordering the park.
The study, published online in the journal Biological Conservation, also found captive animals were more susceptible to starvation and disease than their wild counterparts and less able to form successful social groups.
Despite the problems raised in the research, Miss Jule still believes reintroduction projects are vital to conservation.
They need, however, to be reassessed to prepare animals better for living in their natural environment.
This could mean reducing contact with humans, creating opportunities for hunting while in captivity and encouraging the formation of natural social groups.
The study also points out the importance of talking to local communities and winning their support before any reintroductions are carried out, since most extinctions originally came about as a result of conflict with humans.
Miss Jule added: "If we are to try to redress the balance, it is important for us to help provide captive-born animals with the opportunity to gain the skills that they will need for survival in the wild. The next step is for scientists, conservationists and animal welfare groups to develop guidelines to help captive animals prepare for a new life in the wild."
