Captive-Reared Burrowing Owls Show Higher Site-Affinity, Survival, and Reproductive Performance When Reintroduced Using a Soft-Release

A remaining challenge for animal reintroductions is how best to aid individuals transitioning from captivity into the wild. We tested two techniques – ‘soft’ vs. ‘hard’ release – in a 7-year study on endangered Western burrowingowls (Athene cunicularia hypugaea) in British Columbia, Canada. Traditionally, captive-reared yearling adults were released into the wild, as pairs, directly […]