Rhinos and elephants can cause huge problems if reintroduced badly—here's how to get it right

Moving large animals, such as rhinos and elephants, between protected areas presents a seemingly straightforward solution to conservation problems. However, the complexities of reintroduction projects can quickly escalate into significant social and political issues. One such example is the planned relocation of 12 rhinos from a reserve in South Africa to the Waterberg region. This fall, these rhinos will join efforts to establish and strengthen secure rhino populations in the new area.

Lessons from past projects highlight the potential challenges that can arise during translocation. In 2022, 263 elephants were moved from Liwonde National Park in Malawi to Kasungu National Park, around 350 km away. Despite the initial success in increasing the elephant population in Kasungu, the relocation led to human-elephant conflict.

Crops were damaged, property was destroyed, and people were killed as a result of the translocation. This incident prompted legal action against the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), alleging that the elephants had caused harm and that local communities were not adequately protected or consulted.

The success of a translocation project goes beyond just moving the animals. It requires careful consideration of the habitat, food and water resources, and the carrying capacity of the area for the relocated species. For instance, when acquiring a breeding operation for southern white rhinos in 2023, African Parks had to ensure that the new habitat could support the large number of animals being introduced. Additionally, security measures must be put in place to protect the animals from poaching and other threats.

A study of 682 black rhinos involved in 191 translocations found that more deaths occurred in the first year after a move when animals were added to existing populations than when new populations were established. Furthermore, a review of 550 conservation translocations revealed that social dimensions were often overlooked in favor of biological considerations.

This highlights the need for a balanced approach that takes into account both the ecological and social aspects of reintroducing large animals into new environments.

While the idea of reintroducing species to their historical habitats is appealing, it is crucial to recognize that the current landscape and human communities may have changed significantly since those species were last present. Communities living in or near protected areas must not be burdened with the costs and risks associated with wildlife translocation.

Instead, conservation efforts should focus on creating a harmonious coexistence between humans and wildlife, ensuring that the benefits of restoring ecosystems outweigh any potential negative impacts on local livelihoods and safety.