The effect of translocation and temporary captivity on wildlife rehabilitation success: An experimental study using European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus)

Translocation is frequently used to return rehabilitated animals to the wild, and is an important tool for the population management of endangered species. Whilst experimental field manipulations are important in determining optimal rehabilitation and translocation strategies, they are rarely implemented in practice. We used an experimental approach to examine the effects of translocation on post-release survival and behaviour, and the impact of introductions on the recipient wild population, using the European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus), the most common mammal admitted to British wildlife hospitals. The post-release survival and behaviour of five groups were compared: three different translocation treatments, one wild population at the release sites and one control wild population away from the release sites. Individuals that were held in captivity prior to translocation had a better survival rate on release than individuals that were translocated with a minimum time spent in captivity. We suggest that temporary captivity improves chances of survival by allowing the build up of fat reserves and reducing manipulation stress suffered on release. No evidence was found for intra-specific competition between introduced individuals and the recipient wild hedgehog population.