Adaptation of a Captive-Raised Gibbon to the Wild

Postrelease Success of Two Rehabilitated Vervet Monkey (Chlorocebus aethiops) Troops in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

“…However, when we examined subsidiary measures commonly used to determine success of 'welfare' releases, the results suggested that future releases of rehabilitated vervet monkeys could be successful. For instance, we determined that most of the individuals in each troop behaved similarly to wild conspecifics [Box, 1991] and were independent from humans for food [Cheyne and Brulé, 2004] and/or companionship [Grundmann, 2005]. We also documented that the troops became successfully established in an area [Ostro et al, 1999].…”

“…The aim of this release was to determine whether rehabilitated vervet monkeys would successfully adapt to being released into the wild such that released individuals survived for a similar length of time to wild conspecifics [IUCN, 2000;Molony et al, 2006]. In addition, we also evaluated success in terms of the troops becoming established in an area [Ostro et al, 1999] and being independent from humans for food and companionship [Cheyne and Brulé, 2004;Grundmann, 2005]. Wimberger/Downs/Perrin…”

Best Practice Guidelines for the Rehabilitation and Translocation of Gibbons

“…To allow gibbons to survive once reintroduced their behaviour must mimic that of wild gibbons (Cheyne & Brulé, 2004;Cheyne, et al, 2007;Cheyne, et al, 2008a).…”

“…The generally accepted release strategy for gibbons is to be released in well-bonded pairs, replicating a natural social structure and eliminating an additional stressor of having to seek out mates and independently establish or defend territories. Based on experience to date this strategy would appear to have greater success than when gibbons have been released as individuals (Yatbantoong, 2007;Smith, 2010), but this is also an option under certain circumstances (Cheyne & Brulé, 2004). During the 22 years the GRP Phuket has been reintroducing gibbons they have experimented with releasing various social compositions including juvenile groups, families and pairs.…”

“…Cheyne, et al, 2008a). There are some reported cases of accidental individual releases (Cheyne & Brulé, 2004;Smith, 2010), where the gibbons appear to have survived and paired with wild gibbons and intentional releases of single individuals into social openings within the existing reintroduced population. Some of these individuals have paired up and reproduced in the wild (Osterberg, pers.…”