Advances in Reintroduction Biology of Australian and New Zealand Fauna

Book excerpt: The publication of Reintroduction Biology of Australian and New Zealand Fauna nearly 20 years ago introduced the new science of ‘reintroduction biology’. Since then, there have been vast changes in our understanding of the process of reintroductions and other conservation-driven translocations, and corresponding changes in regulatory frameworks governing translocations. Advances in Reintroduction Biology of Australian and New Zealand Fauna is a timely review of our understanding of translocation from an Australasian perspective, ensuring translocation becomes an increasingly effective conservation management strategy in the future. Written by experts, including reintroduction practitioners, researchers and policy makers, the book includes extensive practical advice and example case studies, identifies emerging themes and suggests future directions. Topics include: key questions in reintroduction biology; population establishment; prey naivety; disease management; dispersal; the roles of trials and experiments; modelling projections; assisted colonisation; population interchange; genetic diversity; disease management; metapopulation dynamics; reintroduced species as ecological engineers; the contributions of sanctuary networks and zoos; and extensive insights from reintroduction programs. This book is aimed at conservation practitioners and researchers, as well as conservation management agencies and NGOs. Although it is based on Australasian examples, it will be of interest globally due to synergies with reintroduction programs throughout the world.