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Restoring lions Panthera leo to northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: short-term biological and technical success but equivocal long-term conservation

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  24 May 2007

L.T.B. Hunter*
Affiliation:
Mammal Research Institute & Veterinary Wildlife Unit, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa
K. Pretorius
Affiliation:
Phinda Private Game Reserve, Private Bag 6001, Hluhluwe 3960, South Africa
L. C. Carlisle
Affiliation:
Phinda Private Game Reserve, Private Bag 6001, Hluhluwe 3960, South Africa
M. Rickelton
Affiliation:
Phinda Private Game Reserve, Private Bag 6001, Hluhluwe 3960, South Africa
C. Walker
Affiliation:
Phinda Private Game Reserve, Private Bag 6001, Hluhluwe 3960, South Africa
R. Slotow
Affiliation:
School of Biological and Conservation Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Howard College Campus, Durban 4041, South Africa
J. D. Skinner
Affiliation:
Mammal Research Institute & Veterinary Wildlife Unit, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa
*
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Abstract

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The success of efforts to re-establish mammalian carnivores within their former range is dependent on three key factors: methodological considerations, the biological requirements of the target species, and the involvement of local human communities for whom large carnivores pose a threat. We consider the role of these factors in the first 13 years of an effort to re-establish wild lions in northern KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa. We employed soft-release methods to mitigate the characteristic problems associated with restoration of large carnivores. A pre-release captivity period facilitated acclimatization of reintroduced lions and promoted long-term bonding of unfamiliar individuals into cohesive groups. All individuals remained in the release area and established enduring, stable home ranges. Reintroduced lions successfully reproduced and raised 78% of their cubs to independence. Human activity was the cause of all post-release mortality. Despite rapid population growth and the re-establishment of the species at Phinda Private Game Reserve, the population is small and isolated with little prospect for re-colonizing additional areas where the species has been extirpated, or for connecting with other isolated lion populations in the region. Accordingly, although we essentially overcame the short-term technical and biological challenges facing lion reintroduction, the long-term value of the Phinda population for addressing the conservation issues facing the species remains equivocal.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Fauna and Flora International 2007