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A journal dedicated to conservation and wildlife management in the Pacific region.
RESEARCH ARTICLE

Fauna-rescue programs highlight unresolved scientific, ethical and animal welfare issues

Peter Menkhorst A B C , Nick Clemann A B and Joanna Sumner B
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research, Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, PO Box 137, Heidelberg, Vic. 3084, Australia.

B Museum Victoria, Carlton Gardens, Melbourne, Vic. 3000, Australia.

C Corresponding author. Email: peter.menkhorst@delwp.vic.gov.au

Pacific Conservation Biology 22(4) 301-303 https://doi.org/10.1071/PC16007
Submitted: 22 February 2016  Accepted: 18 March 2016   Published: 20 June 2016

Abstract

In response to a paper advocating large-scale, multi-species ‘fauna-rescue’ programs when habitat is being destroyed, we urge caution by highlighting the lack of evidence of success in such programs. We argue that any benefits are likely to be outweighed by ecological and animal welfare risks, and that any conservation gains are likely to be illusionary.


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