Identifying temporal dynamics in post-release survival of a restored large ungulate

Wildlife translocation is an important conservation tool for restoring species and reducing global biodiversity decline; however, this practice is challenging for wildlife, and translocated individuals must adjust to their release landscapes for restoration success. The period following release is a vulnerable time for wildlife and determining when animals acclimate following translocation improves long-term estimates of population dynamics and allows researchers to efficiently tailor translocation design and post-release management to each population’s needs.
We evaluated demographic acclimation and investigated changes in post-release survival of a population of 106 elk (Cervus canadensis) translocated to Missouri, U.S.A., from 2011 to 2013 using generalized survival modeling. We defined the acclimation period as the duration of time prior to stabilization in mortality risk relative to time from release, and we evaluated acclimation duration from flexible plots of estimated mortality ..., Data for survival analyses was collected through GPS- and VHF-collar based monitoring. Collars contained motion-sensitive mortality sensors programmed to activate after 4 h without movement, and collars transmitted mortality notifications remotely via satellite. If collars lost GPS functionality or remote notifications of mortality alerts, we performed bi-weekly VHF driving surveys across the extent of occupied elk range within the ERZ. When collars indicated mortality (either by remote notification or via VHF signal), we recovered them as soon as possible (typically within 24-hr but not beyond 72-hr) to assess day of death and examine carcasses for cause of mortality following established methods from contemporary neonatal ungulate survival studies,