Publication Details

Category Text Publication
Reference Category Journals
DOI 10.1007/s10764-013-9671-2
Document Shareable Link
Title (Primary) Determining sensitive parameters for the population viability of reintroduced Sumatran orangutans (Pongo abelii)
Author Kelle, D.; Fechter, D.; Singer, A.; Pratje, P.; Storch, I.
Source Titel International Journal of Primatology
Year 2013
Department OESA
Volume 34
Issue 2
Page From 423
Page To 442
Language englisch
Keywords Overview–Design concepts–Details (ODD); Pongo abelii; Population viability analysis; Reintroduction
UFZ wide themes ru5
Abstract Although reintroduction has been a widely implemented conservation tool,
in many cases it is unclear whether the released animals can successfully establish a
viable and self-sustaining population. We constructed a population model for
reintroduced Sumatran orangutans (Pongo abelii) and conducted a population viability
analysis to evaluate the probability of persistence. We based our study on a
reintroduced orangutan population at Bukit Tigapuluh, Jambi, Central Sumatra,
Indonesia. We used various scenarios to assess the effects of adaptation time, number
of released individuals, duration of release period, variation in infant survival, and
carrying capacity on population extinction probability over time. We found that
behavioral adaptation of individuals to living in the wild within <6 yrs after release
enhanced population persistence, and that initial losses may be compensated by
additional releases. Our analyses indicated that a lack of information about released
orangutans prevented accurate evaluation of the effectiveness of reintroduction procedures.
Consequently, we recommend that reintroduction projects improve data
quality on the fates of released individuals in order to provide a reliable basis for a
population viability analysis. The use of population viability analyses would allow
proactive management and a better evaluation of reintroduction progress.
Persistent UFZ Identifier https://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=20939&ufzPublicationIdentifier=13571
Kelle, D., Fechter, D., Singer, A., Pratje, P., Storch, I. (2013):
Determining sensitive parameters for the population viability of reintroduced Sumatran orangutans (Pongo abelii)
Int. J. Primatol. 34 (2), 423 - 442 10.1007/s10764-013-9671-2