Reintroduction failure of captive-bred oribi (Ourebia ourebi)

Published source details Grey-Ross R., Downs C.T. & Kirkman K. (2009) Reintroduction failure of captive-bred oribi (Ourebia ourebi). South African Journal of Wildlife Research, 39, 34-38.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

	Action	Category
	Release captive-bred individuals to re-establish or boost populations in native range Action Link

Release captive-bred individuals to re-establish or boost populations in native range

A study in 2004–2006 at a grassland reserve in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (Grey-Ross et al. 2009) found that one of 10 captive-bred oribi Ourebia ourebi released into the wild survived more than two years. One captive-bred female oribi released into the wild survived for at least 27 months. Eight oribi died, six within one month of release and three within eight months. One oribi was taken back into captivity with a broken leg. Two of the eight animals that died were predated, two were poached, one died in cold weather and the cause of death in three cases was unknown. In April 2004, ten adult oribi (four males, six females) from a private breeding facility (9 x 1–3 ha enclosures) were fitted with radio-collars and released into two grassland sites (five animals at each) within three hours of capture. In 2004–2005, the released oribi were monitored weekly during the first month and monthly after the first three months post-release.

(Summarised by: Ricardo Rocha)