Relocation, repatriation, and translocation of amphibians and reptiles: are they conservation strategies that work?

Published source details Dodd C.K.Jr. & Seigel R.A. (1991) Relocation, repatriation, and translocation of amphibians and reptiles: are they conservation strategies that work?. Herpetologica, 47, 336-350.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

	Action	Category
	Translocate adult or juvenile reptiles: Snakes Action Link
	Translocate adult or juvenile reptiles: Sea turtles Action Link
	Translocate adult or juvenile reptiles: Lizards Action Link
	Translocate amphibians Action Link
	Translocate adult or juvenile reptiles: Crocodilians Action Link
	Translocate adult or juvenile reptiles: Tortoises, terrapins, side-necked & softshell turtles Action Link

Translocate adult or juvenile reptiles: Snakes

A review of worldwide translocation programmes for reptiles during 1962–1990 (Dodd & Seigel 1991) reported that the outcome of one programme involving indigo snakes Drymarchon corais was unknown. The origin of individuals (wild populations or captive-bred) was not described for this programme. Published and unpublished literature was searched.

(Summarised by: Maggie Watson, William Morgan)
Translocate adult or juvenile reptiles: Sea turtles

A review of worldwide translocation programmes for reptiles during 1962–1990 (Dodd & Seigel 1991) found that at least half of those involving sea turtles were unsuccessful. Two of four (50%) programmes were considered unsuccessful, and for a further two the result was unknown. In addition, breeding was not observed in three of four programmes, and for the other the result was unknown. The origin of individuals (wild populations or captive-bred) was not described for all programmes. Published and unpublished literature was searched.

(Summarised by: Maggie Watson, William Morgan)
Translocate adult or juvenile reptiles: Lizards

A review of worldwide translocation programmes for reptiles during 1962–1990 (Dodd & Seigel 1991) found that one of eight lizard translocations were considered successful by providing evidence that a stable breeding population had been established. One translocation of one species was successful (sand lizards Lacerta agilis), two translocations of two species were unsuccessful (sand lizards, Saint Croix ground lizard Ameiva polops) and four translocations of four species had unknown outcomes (giant girdled lizard Cordylus giganteus, Galápagos land iguana Conolophus subcristatus, Anegada ground iguana Cyclura pinguis, sand lizards). Breeding was noted in two translocations of two species (Galapagos land iguana and sand lizards). The origin of individuals (wild populations or captive-bred) was not described for all programmes. Published and unpublished literature was searched.

(Summarised by: Maggie Watson, William Morgan)
Translocate amphibians

A review of translocation programmes for amphibians (Dodd & Seigel 1991) found that none of the six programmes identified were considered successful as they did not provide evidence that a stable breeding population had been established. Two of the programmes did result in breeding, in the eastern spadefoot Pelobates syriacus (larvae and juveniles translocated) and the banded newt Triturus vittatus (juveniles translocated). Translocation of the natterjack toad Bufo calamita in England was not considered successful. The release of half a million wild-caught and captive-bred Houston toads Bufo houstonensis (adults, juveniles, metamorphs, tadpoles) to 10 sites did not result in establishment of any populations. Success was unknown for the Coeur d'Alene salamander Plethodon idahoensis and Puerto Rican crested toad Peltophryne lemur (juveniles and adults translocated). Published and unpublished literature was searched.
Translocate adult or juvenile reptiles: Crocodilians

A review of worldwide translocation programmes for reptiles during 1962–1990 (Dodd & Seigel 1991) found that four of five translocations of crocodilians were considered successful by providing evidence that a stable breeding population had been established. Four translocations of four species were considered successful (American alligator Alligator mississippiensis, mugger Crocodylus palustris, saltwater crocodile Crocodylus porosus, and gharial Gavialis gangeticus) and the success of the other translocation was unknown (Nile crocodile Crocodylus niloticus). Breeding was noted in two of the translocation programmes (American alligator and gharial). The origin of individuals (wild populations or captive-bred) was not described for all programmes. Published and unpublished literature was searched.

(Summarised by: Maggie Watson, William Morgan)
Translocate adult or juvenile reptiles: Tortoises, terrapins, side-necked & softshell turtles

A review of worldwide translocation programmes for reptiles during 1962–1990 (Dodd & Seigel 1991) found that none of the five translocations involving tortoises and snapping turtles (Chelydridae spp. and Testudinidae spp.) were successful. One of five translocations was unsuccessful (desert tortoise Xerobates agassizii) and four of five had unknown outcomes (gopher tortoise Gopherus polyphemus, Galápagos giant tortoises Geochelone elephantopus, Aldabra giant tortoise Aldabrachelys gigantea and alligator snapping turtle Macrochelys temminckii). Breeding was noted in three of the programmes (Galápagos giant tortoise, Aldabra giant tortoise, gopher tortoise). The origin of individuals (wild populations or captive-bred) was not described for all programmes. Published and unpublished literature was searched.

(Summarised by: Maggie Watson, William Morgan)