Bilan des opérations de réintroduction en France [Results of re-introductions in France].

Résumé

At the Saint-Jean-du-Gard colloquium in l988 on the reintroduction of animal species, the results of reintroduction operations and population reinforcing in France for 1950-1988 were presented to the wildlife protection and nature reserve associations by the State Secretary for the Environment. They were presented in question form and concerned more particularly protected species due to the type of associations present but a number of game species were also examined. Out of 57 operations involving 26 species, 43 are concerned with 14 mammal species. The beaver, chamois-isard and the ibex represent the greatest number of operations, among the mammals. The hoofed and carnivorous animals are concerned by the highest number of reintroduction operations. The majority -9 species- are protected species covered by the Wildlife protection law. Two of them had completely disappeared from French territory : the wolf and the monk seal. Those who promote operations for protected species are generally the wildlife protection associations (national parks are also concerned). The majority of reintroduction operations took place betwen 1970 and 1980. The map illustrating reintroductions shows the representation of the wildlife protection associations on French territory. Operations can last from l to 25 years depending on whether a reproduction phase in captivity is required beforehand. In most cases these phases were successful. The quality of preliminary studies and the following of released animals has greatly improved with the years. The Saint-Jean-du-Gard colloquium made it possible to develop numerous recommendations for carrying out of reintroduction operations based on U.I.C.N. principles. It is also a good idea to continue making specific identity charts for certain species similar to the one produced for the ibex.