Table 3 Definition of terms used in translocations
From: A framework for incorporating evolutionary genomics into biodiversity conservation and management
Term | Definition |
|---|---|
Translocation | Human-mediated movement of living organisms or their genes from one area, with release in another. Translocation is an overarching term |
Conservation translocation | Intentional movement and release of a living organism or its genes where the primary objective is a conservation benefit: this will usually comprise improving the conservation status of the focal species locally or globally and/or restoring natural ecosystem functions or processes. It can cover translocations either within or outside the species indigenous range |
Population restoration | Any conservation translocation within indigenous range and comprises reinforcement and reintroduction |
Reinforcement | Part of population restoration. The intentional movement and release of an organism into an existing population of conspecifics. Reinforcement aims to enhance population viability, for instance by increasing population size, by increasing genetic diversity or by increasing the representation of specific demographic groups or stages |
Reintroduction | Part of population restoration. The intentional movement and release of an organism inside its indigenous range from which it has disappeared |
Conservation introduction | Intentional movement and release of an organism outside its indigenous range. Consists of assisted colonisation and ecological replacement |
Assisted colonisation | Part of conservation introduction, involves intentional movement and release of an organism outside its indigenous range to avoid extinction of populations of the focal species |
Ecological replacement | Part of conservation introduction involves intentional movement and release of an organism outside its indigenous range to perform a specific ecological function |