Translocation as a conservation strategy for amphibians and reptiles: some comments, concerns, and observations

Published source details Reinert H.K. (1991) Translocation as a conservation strategy for amphibians and reptiles: some comments, concerns, and observations. Herpetologica, 47, 357-363.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

	Action	Category
	Release captive-bred reptiles into the wild: Snakes & lizards Action Link
	Translocate salamanders (including newts) Action Link
	Create ponds for amphibians Action Link

Release captive-bred reptiles into the wild: Snakes & lizards

A review in 1991 of reptile translocation and release programmes in New Jersey, USA (Reinert 1991) found that of two releases of captive-bred, newly born cornsnake Elaphe guttata, one population survived at least four years, while the other survived one–two years. In one site, 17 of 158 (11%) released newly born captive-bred cornsnakes survived at least one year and six released snakes survived at least 4 years and bred. In a second site, six of 262 (2%) released snakes were recaptured one year after release and none were recaptured two years after release. In the first site, 158 newly born captive-bred cornsnakes were released into a known hibernaculum in 1982–1988. In the second site, 262 newly born captive-breds were released in 1985–1989.

(Summarised by: Katie Sainsbury)
Translocate salamanders (including newts)

A review in 1991 of amphibian translocation programmes (Reinert 1991) found that three salamander translocations resulted in established breeding populations. In one study, breeding populations of two salamander species were established (Sexton & Phillips 1986). In a second study, a breeding population of tiger salamanders Ambystoma tigrinum established at a created pond, with returning adults and 18–25 egg masses recorded within four years. In 1982–1985, 1,000 tiger salamander eggs were translocated (20 km) annually to the pond (0.2 ha) in New Jersey, USA.
Create ponds for amphibians

A review in 1991 of amphibian translocation programmes in the USA (Reinert 1991) found that four of five amphibian translocations to created ponds resulted in established breeding populations. In one study in Missouri, breeding populations of spotted salamanders Ambystoma maculatum and wood frogs Rana sylvatica established from translocated eggs in one created pond and ringed salamanders Ambystoma annulatum but not wood frogs established in a second created pond. In a study in New Jersey, a breeding population of tiger salamanders Ambystoma tigrinum established at a created pond, with returning adults and 18–25 egg masses recorded within four years. In Missouri, eggs of spotted salamanders, wood frogs and ringed salamander were translocated to two created ponds in 1965–1980. Both ponds were monitored until 1986. In New Jersey, 1,000 tiger salamander eggs were translocated 20 km to a created pond (0.2 ha) each year in 1982–1985.