Rehabilitation and release of vervet monkeys in South Africa

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Copyright: Guy, Amanda
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Abstract
Conflict between humans and vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus aethiops) has led to an accumulation of displaced monkeys in rehabilitation centres in South Africa and has necessitated the process of troop formation and release. The aim of this thesis was to assess vervet monkey rehabilitation and release efforts in order to determine if this is a viable management strategy for this species. Negative aspects of releases included low survival, hunting activity, a high number of missing animals, limited use of tracking devices, predation, troop composition and size being different to wild troops and close proximity of roads, human settlement, wild conspecifics and other primate species. Subsequent to this assessment, recommendations were made in order to improve release outcomes. These included: troops for release matching the size and composition of wild troops, more thorough release site assessment, selection of release sites ≥3 km from human settlement, retaining troops in release enclosures for longer periods to enable familiarity with the area and its native fauna, and provision of naturally occurring foods (from the release site) in the later stages of rehabilitation. Common features of releases with better outcomes included: high altitude and rainfall, low levels of human disturbance, a minimal proportion of the area being made up of bushland, bare sand and dams, a high proportion of tree cover and supportive landholders. To aid monitoring and reduce the number of missing animals, all individuals should be fitted with tracking devices and monitoring should cover a period of at least one year. Rehabilitation and release of vervet monkeys does not currently appear to improve their welfare. Alternatives such as placement in a suitable sanctuary or euthanasia should be considered. However, the dedicated people involved and the great number of displaced vervet monkeys means that rehabilitation and release will and perhaps should continue. Improvements must be made, taking into account the recommendations and guidelines set out in this thesis, along with IUCN guidelines for re-introduction and placement of confiscated animals. Assessment of the process and its outcomes should be carried out periodically as methods improve.
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Author(s)
Guy, Amanda
Supervisor(s)
Curnoe, Darren
Banks, Peter
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Publication Year
2012
Resource Type
Thesis
Degree Type
PhD Doctorate
UNSW Faculty
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