Repatriation and translocation of ungulates into South African national parks: an assessment of past attempts

Abstract

The results of 36 attempts to repatriate or translocate ungulates into South African national parks are examined. Habitat suitability appeared to be an important factor influencing the success rate. Of six cases in which individuals were translocated outside the range occupied by the species in historical times, only one succeeded. Of 10 cases where the park was within the historical range of the species but the habitat was rated as unsuitable (little or none of the required habitat present in the park) only one succeeded. In contrast 17 out of 20 cases in which the habitat was classified as adequate resulted in success. The repatriation and translocation attempts were poorly documented and this hampered identification of the factors associated with success.