Ecology and Evolution (Nov 2024)
Rescue and Translocation of Hispaniola Hutia (Plagiodontia aedium) in Pueblo Viejo, Cotuí Mining Concession Area
Abstract
ABSTRACT Translocation of species is a common practice used in endangered species management and conservation plans, which can have the purpose of establishing new populations which are at risk of being wiped out, increase a species chance of survival or recovery, and to preserve genetic diversity. The present study details the rescue and relocation process of Hispaniola Hutia (Plagiodontia aedium) in the municipality of Cotuí, Dominican Republic. Data are presented for eight individuals, belonging to two different families, detailing capture methods, handling, reintroduction method, and behavior, as well as data on post‐release monitoring for both families. It was found that the most efficient capture method was active capture by hand (6/8). The family groups were heterogeneous, although both families had in common the presence of a single adult male. The average weight of the individuals was 1.19 kg. Blood tests were carried out on the animals before being taken to the holding pens and compared with the values of other rodents, showing that hematic values for P. aedium were like those of another hutia species, Cynomys ludovicianus. During the period animals were held in pens before reintroduction, hutias showed trophic preferences for Clusia rosea and Guarea guidonea. The only supplementary food they consumed was Daucus carota. A fight was observed between members of different families during the acclimation period in the holding pen, between a subadult male and another dominant one, evidencing territorial behavior. Post‐release monitoring of the families showed that the selection of habitat for relocation, based on the characterization of active burrows in the area, was successful in one of the two families relocated. One of the families abandoned the selected area for translocation during the monitoring. It is important to note that accurate population data of the targeted population, such as abundance and density, are necessary to guarantee the survival of the translocated animals in the new environment. The reintroduction method used in this study may serve as a baseline for future translocation projects for the species.
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