There is no place like home: high homing rate and increased mortality after translocation of a small mammal

Published source details Villaseñor N., Escobar M.H. & Estades C. (2013) There is no place like home: high homing rate and increased mortality after translocation of a small mammal. European Journal of Wildlife Research, 59, 749-760.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

	Action	Category
	Translocate to re-establish or boost populations in native range Action Link

Translocate to re-establish or boost populations in native range

A replicated, randomized, controlled study in 2008–2009 in 10 pine plantation sites in Ñuble Province, Chile (Villaseñor et al. 2013) found that translocated long-haired field mice Abrothrix longipilis travelled two- to four-times further and had lower survival than non-translocated mice. The average maximum distance travelled from the release site was longer in translocated mice (125–199 m) than in non-translocated mice (50 m). Mice released 0–100 m from their capture location had higher survival rates (20/20 survived) than mice translocated 500–1,300 m (14/18 survived). Additionally, eight of 10 mice that were translocated short distances (100 m) and nine of 10 mice which were released at their capture site returned to or stayed in their capture location, whereas mice which were translocated further (500 m = 1 of 10; 1,300 m = 0 of 10) did not return to their capture locations. From January–March 2008 and 2009, four male long-haired field mice were trapped at each of 10 sites in Quirihue and Cobquecura, using 80 baited live traps (3 × 3.5 × 9 inches) per site. Mice from each capture site were randomly allocated to one of four groups, which were released at sunset either at the capture site or 100, 500, and 1,300 m from their capture point. Each individual was radio-tagged and relocated once/day for three days after release.

(Summarised by: Ricardo Rocha)