Social feasibility assessments in conservation translocations

Area of Science:

• Conservation Biology
• Human Dimensions of Wildlife Management

Background:

• Conservation translocations are vital for reversing biodiversity loss.
• Ecological factors are commonly evaluated, but human social factors are often overlooked, limiting translocation success.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the inclusion of social factors in conservation translocation feasibility assessments.
• To identify barriers to integrating social feasibility in translocation planning.

Main Methods:

• A systematic review of 550 conservation translocation case studies was conducted.
• The analysis focused on the assessment of social feasibility within project planning.

Main Results:

• Most reviewed translocation projects inadequately assessed social feasibility.
• When assessed, social feasibility evaluations were often narrow in scope, failing to address potential conflicts.
• Prioritization of ecological over social factors and insufficient knowledge sharing hinder effective planning.

Conclusions:

• Integrating social feasibility assessments early in translocation planning is essential.
• Long-term commitments involving people, places, and partners are linked to successful conservation translocation outcomes.
• Addressing social dimensions is critical for improving the effectiveness of conservation translocations.