Translocation as a tool for conservation of the Hawaiian monk seal

Published source details Baker J.D., Becker B.L., Wurth T.A., Johanos T.C., Littnan C.L. & Henderson J.R. (2011) Translocation as a tool for conservation of the Hawaiian monk seal. Biological Conservation, 144, 2692-2701.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

	Action	Category
	Translocate marine and freshwater mammals to re-establish or boost native populations Action Link

Translocate marine and freshwater mammals to re-establish or boost native populations

A review of multiple translocations in 1994–2009 in the North Pacific Ocean, Hawaii, USA (Baker et al. 2011) found that translocated Hawaiian monk seal Monachus schauinslandi pups had similar survival rates and dispersal times to non-translocated seal pups born at release sites. The first-year survival rate of 161 translocated seal pups (45%) was similar to that of non-translocated seal pups born at release sites (43%). The average minimum time between weaning and dispersal of seal pups to other sites was also reported to be similar for 72 translocated pups (43 days) and non-translocated pups born at release sites (data not provided). Hawaiian monk seal pups were translocated between islands in 1994–2009 to reduce the risk of shark predation and male aggression, or to be fostered. Survival was estimated for 291 pups (161 translocated; 130 non-translocated) born in 1997 and 2001–2008. Dispersal times were estimated for 72 seal pups translocated in 1994–2009 and non-translocated pups born at release sites (number not reported). All translocations were part of a long-term research programme. Seal populations were monitored during annual field camps for 2–5 months in the spring and summer in 1994–2009.

(Summarised by: Anna Berthinussen)