Maintenance and restoration of rare and endangered animal species

Maintenance and restoration of rare and endangered animal species

DREVO Wildlife Diversity & Genetic Recovery System

Concept

DREVO Wildlife Diversity & Genetic Recovery System— a comprehensive system for the conservation, restoration, and long-term support of rare, small, and locally extinct animal populations within the framework of the projectDREVO Living Mountains.

The system covers:

mammals;

birds;

amphibians;

reptiles;

fish;

shellfish;

crustaceans;

insects;

other terrestrial and aquatic invertebrates.

The main task is not to release the maximum number of animals, but to formself-sustaining, genetically viable and ecologically functional populations.

The main principle:

First, the environment is restored and the causes of the species' extinction are addressed. Only then are breeding, relocation, or release of animals considered.

1. What exactly needs to be saved

The program operates simultaneously on five levels.

Level 1 - separate species

The existence of the species in the territory is maintained.

Examples:

European bison;

otter;

a rare bird of prey;

a local species of newt;

endemic fish;

an endangered species of butterfly.

Level 2 - local population

The mere fact of the species' preservation is not enough.

Populations from different watersheds, valleys and mountain ranges may differ:

genetically;

behavior;

seasonal routes;

drought resistance;

reproduction periods;

adaptation to altitude;

resistance to local diseases.

Therefore, animals cannot be moved between regions without control.

Level 3 - Genetic Lines

It is necessary to save:

rare maternal lines;

rare paternal lines;

local genetic variants;

adaptation to climate;

disease resistance;

diversity of immune genes.

Genetic diversity provides the ability of populations to adapt to climate change, diseases and new environmental conditions.

Level 4 - Ecological Functions

Not only the animals are restored, but also their functioning in the ecosystem:

predators regulate herbivores;

Herbivores create a mosaic of vegetation;

birds spread seeds;

beavers retain water;

insects pollinate plants;

scavengers clear the area;

mollusks filter water;

Digging animals change the soil.

Level 5 - Diversity of Breeds and Forms

For domestic, semi-wild and traditionally managed animals the following are preserved:

local breeds;

primitive breeds;

mountain lines;

marsh and floodplain forms;

drought-resistant breeds;

animals adapted to poor feed;

traditional pasture types.

2. Animal categories in the DREVO system

Category A - critically endangered species

Features:

extremely small numbers;

high risk of extinction;

limited area;

small genetic base;

dependence on special measures.

Measures:

strict security;

controlled breeding;

gene bank;

protection of the last breeding grounds;

creation of reserve populations;

individual registration of animals.

Category B - Rare and Endangered Species

Features:

still present in nature;

losing habitats;

have a fragmented range;

the population continues to decline.

Measures:

restoration of the environment;

connection of populations;

reduction in mortality;

protection of breeding sites;

disease control;

expansion of the range by natural means.

Category C - Locally Extinct Species

The species exists in other regions but has disappeared from a particular valley, catchment, or country.

Possible measures:

natural return through the corridors;

reintroduction;

migration from a genetically close population;

restoration of production and food supply;

elimination of the causes of the previous disappearance.

Category D - common species with important ecological functions

Some species are not yet rare, but their disappearance will disrupt the ecosystem.

Examples:

pollinators;

amphibians;

small predators;

scavengers;

soil animals;

water filters;

seed-dispersing species.

Category E – local domestic and semi-wild breeds

Saved:

traditional sheep breeds;

eye;

cows;

buffalo;

horses;

donkeys;

pigs;

belt;

ducks;

geese;

bees.

They may possess adaptations lost in commercial breeds.

3. Why do species become rare?

Before any release, the reason for the reduction is determined.

Main reasons:

habitat destruction;

draining swamps;

straightening of rivers;

disappearance of old forests;

overgrazing;

poaching;

poisoning;

road mortality;

power lines;

dams;

pollution;

pesticides;

invasive species;

diseases;

genetic isolation;

lack of food;

climate change;

conflict with a person;

uncontrolled crossing with domestic forms.

If the cause of extinction is not addressed, releasing animals usually only repeats the previous loss.

4. Habitat restoration

For forest animals

Required:

old trees;

hollows;

dead wood;

dense and open areas;

forest glades;

water points;

dark corridors;

safe road crossings.

For animal slopes

Created:

shrub corridors;

stone shelters;

areas of tall grass;

protected ravines;

water sources;

safe routes between altitude zones.

For marsh fauna

Required:

open water;

shallow waters;

seasonal bowls;

fishless reservoirs;

reed shelters;

islands;

wet meadows;

stable water level.

For river species

The following are being restored:

free flow;

fish passages;

gravel spawning grounds;

whirlpools;

tree shelters;

side sleeves;

floodplains;

connection of the river with its tributaries.

Restoring rivers and floodplains simultaneously restores ecological corridors and species habitats.

5. Ecological corridors

A small, isolated protected area is often unable to support a viable population.

Connections are created between:

mountain ranges;

forests;

swamps;

rivers;

floodplains;

agricultural areas;

national parks;

neighboring countries.

Types of corridors

Forest corridors

For:

ungulates;

predators;

forest birds;

bats;

insects.

River corridors

For:

fish;

otter;

beavers;

amphibians;

aquatic invertebrates.

Steppe and meadow corridors

For:

pollinators;

land birds;

reptiles;

small mammals.

Vertical mountain corridors

Allow animals to move:

between winter and summer pastures;

following the climatic zones;

to water sources;

to safe zones during fires.

The EU views ecological connectivity and corridors as an important part of restoring sustainable natural networks.

6. Natural return takes precedence

Before artificial release, the possibility of natural return is assessed.

To do this:

barriers are removed;

corridors are being restored;

persecution is reduced;

a food base is being created;

breeding sites are protected;

road fatalities are decreasing.

Benefits of natural return:

animals independently choose a suitable territory;

the risk of incorrect release is reduced;

natural behavior is preserved;

the cost is reduced;

the population is formed gradually.

7. Reintroduction

Reintroduction is the return of a species to a part of its natural range where it became extinct.

It is acceptable if:

the historical presence of the species has been confirmed;

the causes of disappearance have been eliminated;

the territory is quite large;

there is a food supply;

there is a genetically suitable source of animals;

disease assessment was carried out;

the local population is prepared;

long-term monitoring has been developed;

The criteria for stopping the project have been defined.

IUCN international guidelines require that prior to any conservation translocation, the environmental feasibility, risks, animal origin, health, impact on the receiving ecosystem, and the possibility of long-term control be assessed.

8. Strengthening the existing population

Sometimes a species survives, but the population is too small or genetically poor.

In this case, it is possible to add animals from another compatible population.

Goals:

reduce inbreeding;

restore rare genetic lines;

improve the sex ratio;

increase the number of breeding animals;

increase resistance to diseases.

But genetic enhancement can be harmful if mixed:

widely varying local forms;

different ecological adaptations;

home and wild lines;

populations with incompatible behavior;

animals of unknown origin.

9. Reserve population system

For the rarest species, several independent populations are created.

Main wild population

Lives in a natural ecosystem.

The second free-living population

It is created in another safe watershed or natural park.

Semi-free reserve population

Contained in a large fenced area with natural behavior.

Population under human control

Used for breeding, veterinary care and genetic preservation.

Gene bank

Preserves biological material.

So one disease, fire, drought or political crisis will not destroy an entire species.

10. DREVO Wildlife Genetic Bank

For valuable populations the following are preserved:

fabric samples;

blood;

cells;

DNA;

sperm;

eggs;

embryos - when technology and legislation allow it;

microbiome;

parasitological samples;

digital genetic data.

New IUCN biobanking guidelines highlight the importance of systematic conservation of genetic resources for the long-term conservation of species.

Requirements for the bank

multiple independent storage locations;

backup power supply;

international copies;

legally defined property;

access rules;

protection from commercial appropriation;

association of a sample with a specific animal and population.

11. Pedigrees and Genetic Management

For small populations, a stud book is kept.

The following are recorded:

origin;

floor;

age;

parents;

offspring;

genetic lines;

diseases;

reproductive history;

place of release;

movements;

cause of death.

DREVO AI can calculate:

degree of kinship;

genetic representation;

optimal pairs;

risk of losing a rare line;

the need to exchange animals between centers.

The decision is made not by an algorithm, but by a committee of geneticists, veterinarians, and species specialists.

12. Conservation of diversity of wild forms

It is necessary to avoid the formation of one standardized “universal” population.

Should be saved:

mountain forms;

plain forms;

forest populations;

marsh populations;

island forms;

northern and southern lines;

different migration strategies;

different behavior;

local seasonal adaptations.

Each natural population is considered as a separate reserve of adaptive traits.

13. Protection from hybridization

Some rare wild species can interbreed with domestic animals.

Risks arise between:

wild and domestic cats;

wolves and dogs;

wild boars and domestic pigs;

wild and domestic ducks;

local and farmed fish;

wild and domestic bees;

rare ungulates and closely related bred forms.

Measures:

sterilization of stray pets;

control of free content;

genetic testing;

removal of hybrids from breeding programs;

sanitary buffer zones;

prohibition of releasing domestic forms into the natural core.

14. Veterinary safety

Before moving, animals go through:

quarantine;

clinical examination;

laboratory diagnostics;

parasitological analysis;

genetic identification;

microbiome assessment;

checking vaccination history;

adaptation to local feeds.

Risks of translocation include the transmission of diseases, parasites, genetically undesirable traits and abnormal behavior.

After release, they are controlled

mortality;

nutrition;

reproduction;

diseases;

contact with pets;

movement;

stress;

conflicts with humans.

15. Breeding centers

DREVO Wildlife Recovery Centre

The center may include:

quarantine;

veterinary clinic;

genetic laboratory;

temporary detention facilities;

large natural enclosures;

food base;

reproduction laboratory;

rehabilitation center;

educational complex;

digital archive.

Principle of content

Animals must maintain:

natural behavior;

caution in front of a person;

ability to search for food;

ability to choose cover;

normal social behavior;

physical readiness for life in nature.

Constant contact with visitors and hand feeding may make the animal unsuitable for release.

16. Soft release

For many species, gradual release is preferred.

Stages:

transportation to the adaptation enclosure;

getting used to the climate and smells;

transition to local feed;

minimizing contact with people;

opening the exit;

possibility of temporary return;

gradual reduction of support;

long-term monitoring.

Soft release is especially useful for:

ungulates;

predators;

some birds;

animals raised under human control.

17. Hard release

The animal is released directly into the wild without lengthy adaptation.

Available for:

experienced wild animals;

individuals moved over a short distance;

species that do not tolerate maintenance well;

emergency rescue operations.

Such a release requires a particularly precise choice of location and season.

18. Bird restoration

For rare birds the following are created:

nesting sites;

safe islands;

old trees;

artificial nesting platforms;

quiet zones;

feeding areas;

protection of power lines;

limiting anxiety.

Special measures

nest guarding;

video surveillance without permanent presence;

temporary route closure;

control of poisoned baits;

marking of hazardous wires;

restoration of production;

support for migration stops.

19. Restoration of amphibians

Amphibians are particularly vulnerable to:

drainage;

road mortality;

pollution;

fish in spawning waters;

fungal diseases;

destruction of wintering grounds.

Measures:

fishless seasonal reservoirs;

wet forest corridors;

underpasses;

quarantine;

strict disinfection of equipment;

disease control;

preservation of different bodies of water for backup.

The IUCN has issued specific recommendations for amphibian reintroductions, as such programmes have a high risk of failure and require specialist disease and environmental controls.

20. Fish recovery

For rare fish, it is necessary to first restore:

water quality;

flow;

temperature;

spawning substrate;

river capacity;

connection with tributaries;

shelters;

natural hydrological regime.

Releasing fish without restoring the river creates an artificially dependent population.

Genetic requirements

The following is not allowed:

mixing different watershed lines without analysis;

production of commercial hybrids;

stocking with alien species;

use of material of unknown origin.

21. Insect restoration

For many insects, it is more effective to restore the environment than to breed them in the laboratory.

Required:

local forage plants;

plants for larvae;

flowering from spring to autumn;

dead wood;

open sand;

wet areas;

no pesticides;

dark night corridors.

Breeding and release are justified for extremely rare species when a suitable environment remains but the natural population is already too small.

22. Preservation of scavengers

Scavengers perform a sanitary function.

These include:

vultures;

crows;

large predators;

beetles;

flies;

microorganisms.

Measures:

exclusion of poisoned baits;

veterinary control of drugs in carcasses;

safe feeding areas during the transition period;

restoration of large herbivores;

reduction of persecution;

protection of nesting sites.

23. Conflict with a person

Conservation of the species is impossible without sustainable coexistence with local residents.

Possible conflicts:

cattle raiding;

damage to crops;

destruction of dams by beavers;

road collisions;

fear of predators;

competition for fish;

damage to gardens;

spread of diseases.

Prevention system

shepherds;

watch dogs;

night pens;

electric fencing;

protective nets;

early warning;

safe waste containers;

ecoducts;

vehicle speed control;

regulation of tourist access.

Compensation

The compensation system should be:

fast;

transparent;

provable;

accessible;

related to prevention;

supplemented by insurance.

The goal of international policy is not only the restoration of species, but also the effective management of human-wildlife interactions to reduce conflicts.

24. Economic integration

Living rare fauna can create legitimate economic value through:

ecotourism;

scientific programs;

training of specialists;

restoration contracts;

environmental jobs;

photo and video surveillance;

forage plant nurseries;

production of monitoring equipment;

insurance and compensation funds.

But income should not depend on:

constant approach of animals to tourists;

hand feeding;

staged contacts;

breeding for sale;

violations of natural behavior.

25. Participation of local residents

Local communities are included in:

observation;

anti-poaching;

habitat restoration;

corridor maintenance;

conflict prevention;

work of breeding centers;

ecotourism;

citizen science;

collection of traditional knowledge.

Without economic and cultural support from the population, the protection of large animals usually remains unstable.

26. Long-term monitoring

Not only the number of animals is monitored, but also:

number of breeding females;

survival rate of young animals;

genetic diversity;

age structure;

sex ratio;

area of ​​the range;

availability of food;

diseases;

causes of death;

population connectivity;

impact on other species;

conflicts with humans.

The Global Biodiversity Framework provides a system of indicators to monitor the status of species, ecosystems and genetic diversity.

27. Digital population passport

For each population aDREVO Wildlife Population Passport.

The passport includes:

species name;

local population;

area;

number;

genetic condition;

pedigrees;

breeding grounds;

seasonal routes;

food base;

threats;

diseases;

cases of conflict;

recovery measures;

release history;

success indicators.

28. Individual animal passport

For large and especially rare animals the following are recorded:

unique number;

floor;

age;

origin;

genetic profile;

parents;

health condition;

vaccinations;

movements;

offspring;

release date;

causes of death.

Identification methods:

visual signs;

rings;

tags;

microchips;

GPS collars;

acoustic transmitters;

genetic samples.

29. Living Mountain Observatory

The monitoring network uses:

camera trap;

acoustic sensors;

GPS;

radio telemetry;

nest chambers;

underwater cameras;

eDNA;

thermal imagers;

TREVO AeroSense Drone;

River Rover Scout;

satellite data;

Automatic animal recognition.

30. TREE AI

Artificial intelligence helps:

estimate the number;

distinguish individual animals;

identify rare genetic lines;

predict routes;

detect diseases;

predict conflict;

plan corridors;

select restoration areas;

calculate the risk of inbreeding;

determine the need for genetic exchange.

AI does not make the final decision on release or relocation of an animal.

31. Criteria for successful reintroduction

The program is considered successful if:

animals survive without constant feeding;

natural reproduction occurs;

the young reach maturity;

the number does not depend on constant releases;

genetic diversity is preserved;

the area remains ecologically suitable;

there is no unacceptable harm to other species;

conflicts with people are controlled;

the population expands its range naturally;

natural behavior is preserved.

32. Program termination criteria

The release is terminated if:

mortality exceeds the acceptable level;

the cause of death has not been determined;

a dangerous disease has been detected;

animals destroy sensitive ecosystems;

uncontrolled hybridization occurs;

there is no food supply;

the population is not protected from serious conflict;

climatic conditions became unsuitable;

animals are completely dependent on humans;

The animal source is genetically unacceptable.

The program must have the right to admit an error and stop.

33. Procedure for restoration of the species

Stage 1 - Historical Research

was the view natural;

when and why did he disappear;

which population was closest;

how the territory has changed.

Stage 2 - Eliminate Threats

restoration of the environment;

prohibition of poisoning;

reduction of poaching;

road protection;

pet control.

Stage 3 – Site assessment

square;

food;

water;

shelters;

climate;

diseases;

population attitude.

Stage 4 – Genetic selection

origin;

diversity;

kinship;

adaptation;

absence of unwanted hybrids.

Stage 5 - Pilot

a small number of animals;

strict monitoring;

control period;

readiness to return or move.

Stage 6 - Expansion

Only after successful reproduction and confirmation of ecological compatibility.

Stage 7 - Natural population

Gradual reduction of human support.

34. DREVO spatial system

Natural core

strict security;

reproduction;

minimal intervention.

Recovery zone

habitat improvement;

temporary detention;

adaptation enclosures.

Ecological corridor

free movement;

ecoducts;

protection of rivers and forest belts.

Buffer zone

regulated agriculture;

conflict prevention;

pesticide restrictions.

Populated area

early warning;

waste protection;

safe roads;

informing residents.

35. DREVO Living Mountains Key Priority Groups

Ecosystem engineers

beavers;

large herbivores;

burrowing animals;

individual birds dispersing seeds.

Top predators

wolf;

lynx;

large birds of prey;

other species natural to the region.

Pollinators

wild bees;

bumblebees;

butterflies;

flies;

beetles.

Water indicators

amphibians;

mollusks;

rare fish;

aquatic insects.

Scavengers

vultures;

crows;

predatory mammals;

insects.

Local genetic forms

mountain populations;

island populations;

desert and drought-resistant lines;

animals of individual watersheds.

36. What not to do

The following is not allowed:

releasing animals only for the sake of tourist attraction;

move species without genetic analysis;

release animals until the environment is restored;

mixing different local populations without evaluation;

use domestic hybrids to restore wild species;

release sick animals;

conceal high mortality;

continuously feed the free-living population;

create a small isolated herd without gene exchange;

release a predator without a food source;

populate all bodies of water with fish;

destroy common species for the sake of one rare species;

consider one successful season as proof of recovery;

manage the population without the participation of the local population.

37. Long-term management system

The first 5 years

elimination of threats;

restoration of the environment;

creation of reserve centers;

pilot episodes;

intensive monitoring.

5–20 years

natural reproduction;

creation of a second population;

expansion of corridors;

genetic exchange;

reducing dependence on humans.

20–50 years

formation of a stable metapopulation;

connection of several watersheds;

restoration of ecological function;

reduction of artificial breeding.

50–150 years

preservation of evolutionary potential;

adaptation to climate change;

maintaining migration routes;

transfer of the control system to the next generations.

Mission

Maintaining rare species is not about collecting animals or creating a beautiful natural park.

Target DREVO Wildlife Diversity & Genetic Recovery System— return to ecosystems:

missing species;

lost genetic lines;

natural food connections;

migration routes;

predators;

herbivores;

pollinators;

aquatic organisms;

ability to adapt independently.

Success is measured not by the number of animals released, but by the number of generations that were able to be born, survive, and continue to develop without constant human assistance.

WOOD Nature Passport