Towards an Endangered Species Reintroduction Paradigm

Richard P. Reading
Denver Zoological Foundation, 2900 East 23rd Avenue, Denver, CO 80205
zooresearch@denverzoo.org

Tim W. Clark
Yale University School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, 301 Prospect Street, New Haven, CT 06511 and Northern Rockies Conservation Cooperative, Box 2705, Jackson, WY 83001
timothy.w.clark@yale.edu

Stephen R. Kellert
Yale University School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, 301 Prospect Street, New Haven, CT 06511
stephen.kellert@yale.edu

Abstract
Reintroduction programs are becoming increasingly more common, but most fail. We suggest that
one reason for this lack of success is a narrow focus on biological and technical aspects of the
reintroduction challenge to the exclusion of other important elements. We provide a more holistic
paradigm for approaching reintroductions that centers on key actors who influence, and are influenced
by a continuum of variables. Our model includes four classes of interacting variables: (1)
biological considerations (ecology, genetic concerns, reintroduction techniques, etc.); (2) issues of
authority and power (control of resources, laws and regulations, relations between actors, etc.); (3)
organizational aspects (program structure, bureaucratic behavior, organizational cultures, etc.);
and (4) socioeconomic considerations (people's values, attitudes, and perceptions, economics concerns,
etc.). This model can aid people interested in reintroductions become more successful. More
comprehensive approaches to reintroduction promise to improve success rates.