Translocations play an important role in the conservation of endangered
species, and successful translocations are dependent on research into their
response to such manipulations. The development of Hamersley Iron’s
Yandi Iron Ore Project in the Pilbara region of Western Australia provided a
unique opportunity to study the response of the western pebble-mound mouse,
Pseudomys chapmani, to translocation. The translocation
tested the effect of levels of individual familiarity within translocation
groups on translocation success. A key part of the translocation involved the
use of competent burrow systems in empty mounds. Success was measured by
comparing the long-term survival, reproductive activity and site fidelity
between treatments. Of 101 mice translocated, 65% were recaptured at
least once post-release. Both the translocated and resident non-translocated
groups had experienced a significant loss of individuals after 35 days;
however, estimates of rates of survival after 176 days had increased to levels
equivalent to those immediately following release. Eight mice were recaptured
at, or close to, their points of release 6 months post-release. Reproductive
activity was recorded in 13 of the 29 (44%) translocated females
recaptured post-release, which was equivalent to that observed in
non-translocated mice. Familiarity within translocation groups did not appear
to affect translocation success as all treatments had similar rates of
survival. This study demonstrated that successful translocations of
P. chapmani are possible given a competent burrow
system.
Prioritizing recovery funding to maximize conservation of endangered species
