Reintroduction of Captive Mammals for Conservation Guidelines for reintroducing endangered species into the wild

epatriating an endangered species to its homeland is an attractive, although expensive, approach to saving rare or endangered species currently maintained in captivity. This approach is particularly popular among conservationists with ties to zoos. Among birds, for example, many species have been released in areas where populations have declined or disappeared. However, in a review of bird reintroductions, translocations, and introductions, Long (1981) estimated that approximately half of the more than 1000 cases have failed (see also Cade 1986). By comparison, few mammalian reintroductions have been attempted. Perhaps four or five of the fewer than 20 mammalian reintroductions using captive-bred animals have been successful in establishing viable populations (Wemmer and Derrickson 1987). But the successes, including the American bison (Bison bison) and the European wisent (Bison bonasus) (Campbell 1980, Conway 1980) demonstrate the positive impact that this technique can have on populations of threatened species. The American bison by 1889 had High costs, logistical difficulties, and the