BackgroundThe spatial distribution of Sahelo-Saharan antelopes is affected by environmental and anthropogenic factors that exhibit strong seasonal variation. Understanding how seasonal factors modulate movement decisions and space use of scimitar-horned oryx reintroduced into the Ouadi Rimé - Ouadi Achim Faunal Reserve (Chad) will support ongoing species conservation activities and guide habitat management efforts.MethodsWe combined more than 1.5 million GPS collar locations fitted to 262 individuals over 8 years, in situ data, and remote sensing variables in integrated step selection functions (iSSFs). We competed all possible combinations of environmental and anthropogenic covariates to investigate the habitat preferences of reintroduced oryx.ResultsScimitar-horned oryx strongly selected for higher wooded vegetation density during the hot dry season and selected more weakly for this factor during the rainy season. This selection leads to an unexpected overlap between the oryx habitat preferences and human activity sites during this period. Oryx were also negatively associated with burned areas during most of the year – except for the hot dry season. Similarly, oryx exhibited weak selection for depressions during the rainy and cool dry seasons, but significantly intensified selection for depressions during the hot dry season.ConclusionsDuring the hot dry season, both oryx and people prefer wooded areas that provide a much-needed thermal refuge from high temperature. This seasonal convergence of habitat preferences may increase interactions between oryx, people, and livestock during this period, and heighten the risk of human – wildlife – livestock conflict within the reserve. However, limited data are available on human activities and livestock movements within the reserve, as well as typical oryx behavioral responses to human presence. Our results therefore emphasize the need for spatially explicit information about livestock movements, particularly with reference to woody cover density during the hot dry season, to mitigate potential conflicts between reintroduced antelope and humans grazing livestock in the reserve.

Central African great ape populations are in serious decline as a result of poaching, habitat loss and disease. Reliable estimates of population size are urgently needed for informed management action. We estimate the abundance and distribution of central chimpanzee Pan troglodytes troglodytes and western lowland gorilla Gorilla gorilla gorilla populations in the c. 11,000 km2 Dja-Ngoyla Complex in Cameroon, a critical component of the Tri National Dja-Odzala-Minkébé (TRIDOM) transboundary landscape, which covers 178,000 km2. We compare our results with previous site estimates and with other population estimates from the region. We completed 1,096.64 km of line transects (n = 559) in 2021 using the standing-crop nest counts method. The Dja-Ngoyla Complex supported c. 11,787 great apes. Chimpanzee abundance was significantly higher in Dja, and Ngoyla-Mintom supported 71% of the gorilla population. Thirty-seven per cent of the gorilla population and 17% of the chimpanzee population occurred in logging concessions. There was no significant change in the species’ abundance in Dja Faunal Reserve compared to our 2018 estimate using the same methodology. The chimpanzee population density was much higher in Dja and Ngoyla Faunal Reserves compared to other protected areas in the region. There was large variation in great ape densities across logging concessions, and those with implemented management certification schemes supported higher densities. This study also highlights the high risk of Dja’s great ape population becoming isolated. Promoting forest management certification to strengthen wildlife and habitat protection in all logging concessions in the Complex is urgently needed and will also allow local communities to benefit from these forests.

The Arabian gazelle (Gazella arabica) and Arabian sand gazelle (G. marica) are globally threatened. In ongoing restoration efforts within Saudi Arabia, 240 captive-bred sand gazelles and 73 Arabian gazelles were reintroduced to the 12,684 km2 Uruq Bani Ma'arid Protected Area in the western Ar Rub' al-Khal & imath; in the mid-late 1990s. Here, we assess the long-term conservation outcome and compare habitat use by both species. Initial post-release distribution was monitored by VHF radio-tracking. Their distribution and relative abundance were studied 20 years later in 2015-2016 using a large-scale camera-trap survey. Our results show Arabian gazelles established across the western side of the protected area, while sand gazelles were widely distributed across the central protected area, with marked seasonal movement into the interior in the cool season and back to the western margin in the hot season. The results confirm both species have retained their known habitat preferences after captive breeding and release. The study also shows that the Arabian gazelle and to a lesser extent sand gazelle undergo seasonal temporal niche switching of activity patterns, exhibiting nocturnal-crepuscular activity during the hot season and largely diurnal-crepuscular activity during the cool season. Releasing groups of desert gazelles at multiple locations simultaneously, over a 2-3 year period into suitable and protected natural habitat is shown to result in established populations. A large-scale long duration camera-trap array provided effective information on relative abundance and distribution of these species persisting 20 years later in a complex habitat where conventional sampling techniques are difficult to implement.

The Arabian bustard Ardeotis arabs is declining across its huge range in Africa’s Sahel. It inhabits open semi-desert to woodland savanna, but undertakes rains-related migrations and is vulnerable to hunting pressure and habitat degradation. Data relevant to its conservation status, chiefly national distribution records and population trends, plus a review of threats, reveal a serious contraction in range and numbers since around 1900. Of 24 countries from which the species is known, it is only a vagrant in 5, extinct in 2, near-extinct in 4, restricted to a tiny land area in 4, believed to be greatly reduced in 3, presumed to persist in 2, known to survive well (mostly in protected areas) in 1 (Chad), and still relatively common in parts of 3 countries (Eritrea, Djibouti and adjacent Ethiopia). Hunting for sport, food and trade has had a major impact, and everywhere its natural habitats are under steady degradation from livestock farming, agricultural expansion and intensification, locust control, human conflict, population increase and climate change (the last 2 factors involving the most alarming predictions for the next 75 yr). The species’ relatively favourable status in Chad, Eritrea, Djibouti and Ethiopia makes these countries potential targets for research programmes to clarify aspects of its ecology that can inform its conservation, but every protected area needs management to improve the species’ status within it. Even so, without radical action to address conflict, human population growth and temperature rise across the Sahel, the Arabian bustard will be extinct by the year 2100.

Ungulates have undergone major declines in Central and West African forests as a result of bushmeat trade and habitat loss. Monitoring forest ungulate status is a critical conservation need. We undertook a systematic camera-trap survey of the Ngoyla Faunal Reserve within the similar to 11,000 km(2) Dja-Ngoyla Complex, part of the critical TRIDOM forest landscape in Central Africa. We deployed cameras at 36 sites over 2,734 camera-trap days. We recorded 3,307 independent detections of 12 species of forest ungulates. The Peters' duiker and blue duiker were the most abundant, accounting for 71 % of all ungulate detections, both with occupancy >85 %. The black-fronted duiker and white-bellied duiker were relatively widespread but rare. There were very few detections of Bates' pygmy antelope, sitatunga, forest buffalo, and bongo. These findings are similar to our baseline population estimates of ungulates in the neighbouring Dja World Heritage site. Our study provides further evidence of ecological partitioning among the more abundant duikers based on activity pattern and body size. The Dja-Ngoyla Complex is integral to the 178,000 km(2) TRIDOM conservation landscape. The landscape is a global conservation priority for securing the future of great apes, forest elephant, a community of forest ungulates, and other threatened species in the region.

The dama gazelle (Nanger dama (Pallas, 1766)) is one of the largest of all gazelles, and also one of the world's most endangered antelopes listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Today, only a few small and highly scattered populations persist, mainly in Niger and Chad. This study provides recent insights into the population status, structure, and phenotypic diversity of dama gazelles in the Air & Tenere National Nature Reserve (ATNNR), focusing on the Mount Takolokouzet, and based on 15 field missions conducted between 2017 and 2023. Distribution and relative abundance were assessed using direct observations, indirect signs, and camera traps. The Kilometric Index of Abundance (KIA) averaged 0.058 for direct observations and 0.16 for indirect observations, showing a positive trend over time, particularly for indirect evidence. Camera trap data revealed an overall capture rate (CTR) of 1.59 independent events per 100 trap-days, with increased detection during recent targeted efforts. Demographic analysis was based on 39 direct sightings (84 individuals) and 200 independent camera trap events (244 individuals). Solitary individuals were primarily adults, representing 83 % of camera trap records and less than half of direct sightings. Group sizes were from 2 to 7 (direct) and 2-4 (camera traps), with an overall mean of 2.95 individuals. Adults were dominant in both datasets, while juveniles and subadults comprised less than 20 % of individuals. Calving was observed in two distinct seasonal periods. Phenotypic diversity in the dama gazelle population at ATNNR was marked by traits associated with different coat patterns. The N. d. dama phenotype was the most common (73 %), with smaller proportions exhibiting distinct variations (18 % and 9 %). This suggests a phenotypically mixed population, but caution is needed as subspecies differentiation remains debated. The variation may represent a spectrum rather than distinct subspecies. Our results highlight the importance and fragility of a small, little-known population of dama gazelle on Mount Takolokouzet. The consistently low proportion of young individuals highlights concerns about recruitment. Our findings justify urgent conservation measures focused on securing refuges, reducing disturbance, sustaining monitoring, and protecting breeding females during calving peaks, while ecological drivers will be examined in future work.

Summary Records of the Nubian Bustard Nubotis nuba range across the drier northern component of the Sahel zone in Africa from Mauritania through Mali, Niger, and Chad to Sudan. Reports of significant hunting pressure have caused it to be treated as IUCN “Near Threatened” for almost 40 years, but information relating to distribution and population trends remains scattered, anecdotal, and unevaluated. All accessible evidence bearing on its conservation is therefore assembled and reviewed here. The lack of records from Mauritania since 1984, Mali since 1974, and Sudan since 1988 suggests that populations there may now be very small and perhaps entirely extinguished. Records from Niger and Chad remain many, thanks largely to the assiduous reporting of observations on the West African Bird DataBase (WABDaB) by researchers involved in ungulate conservation. The national nature reserves of Aïr and Ténéré (RNNAT) and Termit and Tin-Toumma (RNNTT) in Niger and the Ouadi Rimé–Ouadi Achim Faunal Reserve (RFOROA) in Chad emerge as vital to the long-term survival of the Nubian Bustard, given the accumulating evidence in both countries of (1) widespread habitat degradation and conversion, as human populations and their livestock expand in numbers and range in the Sahel, and (2) intensifying persecution, as highly mobile and well-armed local poachers plus Gulf state hunters gain increasing vehicular access to the remotest regions, depleting all huntable wildlife (a Sahel-wide bird study, 2011–2019, encountered just 16 bustards of four species – none Nubian – in 487 observation days). Populations of Nubian Bustard must now be greatly fragmented and depleted, with many entirely lost, so targeted programmes to minimise disturbance, persecution, and damage to habitat in the three key reserves (including the exclusion of powerlines) are urgently needed. Ultimately however the survival of this and other endemic Sahelian species can only be secured via a huge programme of ecologically and economically sustainable management practices.

Abstract Pangolins are one of the most threatened mammal groups, as a result of habitat loss and exploitation for their meat, scales, and other body parts. However, there is a lack of quantitative data on pangolin populations; their behaviour and ecology make them challenging to survey. We undertook systematic camera-trap surveys of the 5260 km2 World Heritage Dja Faunal Reserve, Cameroon, sampling 305 sites in eight grids over 28,277 camera-trap days. We recorded 768 images of giant pangolin in 99 independent detections at 57 sites (RAI = 0.35), and 2282 images in 355 detections (RAI = 1.26) of white-bellied pangolin at 137 sites. Ground-dwelling giant pangolins were largely confined to the core of the Reserve. Semi-arboreal white-bellied pangolins were predominantly distributed in the northeast, east and south of the Reserve. Lower occupancy in the west and northwest could partly be due to pressures from human settlements around the Hydromekin Dam and Sud-Cameroun Hévéa rubber plantation. Our study suggests that at the ground-level the two species do not spatially segregate, and both were active throughout the night. We found high diel activity overlap, although there was a significant difference in activity peak times. There was also evidence of white-bellied pangolin possibly exhibiting fine-scale behavioural avoidance of giant pangolin.

AbstractThe Ouadi Rimé–Ouadi Achim Reserve (Réserve de l'Ouadi Rimé–Ouadi Achim) in central Chad supports large numbers of livestock and rare antelopes, and is the site of ongoing reintroductions of the scimitar-horned oryxOryx dammahand addaxAddax nasomaculatus. We present results of surveys conducted during 2011–2019 to examine patterns of relative abundance and distribution of dorcas gazellesGazella dorcas, dama gazellesNanger damaand livestock in relation to each other and to water sources in a 3,500 km2area in the centre of the Reserve. Dorcas gazelles numbered 7,700–18,000, moving extensively across the area. Livestock varied between c. 2,000 and 68,000 tropical livestock units across surveys, with density doubling in the wet season. Dorcas gazelle distribution was negatively associated with livestock, and livestock density was positively associated with artificial water sources. Dorcas gazelle densities were positively associated with locations where there had been wild fires in the 6 months prior to a survey. Dama gazelles were encountered only 13 times, insufficient to estimate their population size reliably. Opportunistic observations suggest dama gazelles avoid livestock and burnt ground. Our findings highlight the importance of the Reserve. We recommend the designation of a large, well-managed conservation priority zone in the Reserve's core area in which no further development of water resources is permitted. Management of livestock numbers within this zone at or below current levels is essential to integrate national goals for both biodiversity conservation and pastoralism development.

Threatened species are frequently patchily distributed across small wild populations, ex situ populations managed with varying levels of intensity and reintroduced populations. Best practice advocates for integrated management across in situ and ex situ populations. Wild addax (Addax nasomaculatus) now number fewer than 100 individuals, yet 1000 of addax remain in ex situ populations, which can provide addax for reintroductions, as has been the case in Tunisia since the mid-1980s. However, integrated management requires genetic data to ascertain the relationships between wild and ex situ populations that have incomplete knowledge of founder origins, management histories, and pedigrees. We undertook a global assessment of genetic diversity across wild, ex situ and reintroduced populations in Tunisia to assist conservation planning for this Critically Endangered species. We show that the remnant wild populations retain more mitochondrial haplotypes that are more diverse than the entirety of the ex situ populations across Europe, North America and the United Arab Emirates, and the reintroduced Tunisian population. Additionally, 1704 SNPs revealed that whilst population structure within the ex situ population is minimal, each population carries unique diversity. Finally, we show that careful selection of founders and subsequent genetic management is vital to ensure genetic diversity is provided to, and minimize drift and inbreeding within reintroductions. Our results highlight a vital need to conserve the last remaining wild addax population, and we provide a genetic foundation for determining integrated conservation strategies to prevent extinction and optimize future reintroductions.

Traditional transect survey methods for forest antelopes often underestimate density for common species and do not provide sufficient data for rarer species. The use of camera trapping as a survey tool for medium and large terrestrial mammals has become increasingly common, especially in forest habitats. Here, we applied the distance sampling method to images generated from camera-trap surveys in Dja Faunal Reserve, Cameroon, and used an estimate of the proportion of time animals are active to correct for negative bias in the density estimates from the 24-hour camera-trap survey datasets. We also used multiple covariate distance sampling with body weight as a covariate to estimate detection probabilities and densities of rarer species. These methods provide an effective tool for monitoring the status of individual species or a community of forest antelope species, information urgently needed for conservation planning and action.

Ungulates have undergone major declines in Central and West African forests as a result of bushmeat trade and habitat loss. Monitoring forest ungulate status is a critical conservation need. We undertook a systematic camera-trap survey of the 5260 km(2) Dja Faunal Reserve, Cameroon's largest protected area. We deployed cameras at 305 sites in eight grids across the reserve over 28,277 camera-trap days. We recorded 30,601 independent detections of 12 species of forest ungulate. The blue and Peters' duikers were the most abundant, accounting for 82% of all ungulate detections, both with occupancy >85% in all survey grids. The black-fronted duiker was relatively widespread but rare. The white-bellied duiker and water chevrotain were found mostly in the southern part of the reserve. There were very few detections of sitatunga, forest buffalo and bongo. Our results suggest ecological partitioning among the more abundant duikers based on activity pattern and body size. The reserve faces many pressures including illegal subsistence and commercial hunting. Community surveillance and partnerships, with improved law enforcement are among measures being implemented by the Cameroon government to enhance security and ensure retention of the reserve's World Heritage status.

Sapo National Park, Liberia's largest protected area, comprises an area of 1804 km(2) within the Upper Guinea forest ecosystem, a global biodiversity hot spot. Our baseline camera-trap study revealed 32 medium-to-large mammal species, including ten Upper Guinea forest endemics, within the park. Results show important populations of threatened antelopes, particularly zebra duiker and Jentink's duiker, along with bay duiker, black duiker, Ogilby's duiker and Maxwell's duiker. Water chevrotain and lowland bongo were also recorded. Camera-trap images of giant and white-bellied pangolins, western chimpanzee, pygmy hippopotamus and forest elephant collected during this study further confirm the high conservation value of the site. The ecology of the antelope community is investigated, noting the diurnal activity pattern of zebra duiker and the nocturnal activity of Jentink's duiker, in contrast to previous studies. Both species preferred lower altitude primary forest. Ogilby's duiker was the only antelope that showed a preference for higher altitude forest and was found to be more common than the similar-sized black duiker and bay duiker. Sapo National Park faces many threats including habitat degradation, poaching for bushmeat and animal parts, and illicit gold mining. Commercial logging and agriculture in the buffer and surrounding forested areas threatens connectivity and increases human-wildlife conflict.

Abstract The sand cat is one of the world’s least studied small cats. Our camera-trap survey, one of the largest undertaken in a desert system, generated over 1500 images of the species across 100 camera-traps distributed systematically over the 2400 km2 core area of the Uruq Bani Ma’arid Protected Area of the Empty Quarter, Saudi Arabia. The study revealed a much more significant and widespread sand cat population in the ecosystem than previously understood. Sand cats were detected across one-third of the core area in all major habitats, comprising escarpment plateau, sand dunes and interdunal gravel valleys. The species showed a marginal preference for the interior parallel dune system with interspersed gravel valleys where they also preferred sand dunes over the gravel valley in the hot season. There was no evidence of strong spatial interactions with other predators. The ecosystem’s larger predators (Arabian red fox and honey badger, and all records of wild and feral cats) were primarily associated with the escarpment plateau. The smaller Rueppell’s fox was the only other carnivore more consistently present in the main dune system. Sand cats were strictly nocturnal and 14% more active in the hot season than the cool season.

The endangered golden-rumped sengi are found only in Arabuko-Sokoke Forest with 395.4 km(2) of forest habitat, and perhaps in a few isolated forest and thicket fragments of total area less than 30 km(2)all within central coastal Kenya. Understanding its habitat use is an important requirement to develop better conservation measures for the species and its remaining forest habitat. A more reliable method for monitoring its status is also needed. We used the Bayesian occupancy modelling with camera trap data and habitat mapping to characterise the species habitat use in the Arabuko-Sokoke Forest. The species uses 328 km(2)(95% CI: 289-364 km(2)) of Arabuko-Sokoke Forest habitat, and its site use increases with distance from forest edge, with the highest site use in theCynometrathicket (0.93; 95% CI: 0.82-1). Its use of the mixed forest habitat has been significantly reduced following years of logging ofAfzelia quanzensis. We recommend the use of modelled occupancy, interpreted as the proportion of area used by the species, to monitor the species status. Occupancy models account for detection probability, and heterogeneity in site use and detection can be incorporated. Estimated territory sizes can be combined to obtain abundance estimates.

The endangered golden-rumped sengi are found only in Arabuko-Sokoke Forest with 395.4 km  of forest habitat, and perhaps in a few isolated forest and thicket fragments of total area less than 30 km all within central coastal Kenya. Understanding its habitat use is an important requirement to develop better conservation measures for the species and its remaining forest habitat. A more reliable method for monitoring its status is also needed. We used the Bayesian occupancy modelling with camera trap data and habitat mapping to characterise the species habitat use in the Arabuko-Sokoke Forest. The species uses 328 km (95% CI: 289–364 km ) of Arabuko-Sokoke Forest habitat, and its site use increases with distance from forest edge, with the highest site use in the thicket (0.93; 95% CI: 0.82–1). Its use of the mixed forest habitat has been significantly reduced following years of logging of . We recommend the use of modelled occupancy, interpreted as the proportion of area used by the species, to monitor the species status. Occupancy models account for detection probability, and heterogeneity in site use and detection can be incorporated. Estimated territory sizes can be combined to obtain abundance estimates. Le rat à trompe à croupe dorée en voie de disparition ne vit que dans la forêt d'Arabuko-Sokoke, au sein d’un habitat forestier d’une surface de 395,4 km , et aussi peut-être dans quelques parcelles de forêt et de forêts marécageuses d'une superficie totale inférieure à 30 km , tous situés sur la côte centrale du Kenya. La compréhension de l'utilisation de son habitat constitue une importante nécessité afin d’élaborer de meilleures mesures de conservation pour cette espèce et son habitat forestier restant. Une méthode plus fiable permettant de superviser sa situation est également nécessaire. Nous avons utilisé une méthodologie de modélisation de type bayésien accompagnée de données de caméras à déclenchement et d’une cartographie de l'habitat afin de caractériser l'utilisation de celui-ci par cette espèce dans la forêt d’ArabukoSokoke. L'espèce utilise une surface de 328 km (IC de 95% : 289 à 364 km ) au sein de l'habitat forestier d’Arabuko-Sokoke, et son utilisation du site augmente avec la distance par rapport à la lisière de la forêt, avec une utilisation du site plus importante constatée dans forêts marécageuses de (0,93 ; IC de 95% : 0,82–1). L’utilisation de l'habitat forestier mixte par cette espèce a considérablement diminué après des années d'exploitation de l’ . Nous recommandons l'utilisation de la méthodologie d’occupation modélisée, interprétée en tant que proportion de la superficie utilisée par l'espèce, afin de surveiller la situation de celle-ci. Les modèles d'occupation tiennent compte de la probabilité de détection. L'hétérogénéité de l'utilisation et de la détection du site peut également être intégrée. Les tailles estimées des territoires peuvent être combinées pour obtenir des estimations d'abondance.

GPS collars have revolutionized the field of animal ecology, providing detailed information on animal movement and the habitats necessary for species survival. GPS collars also have the potential to cause adverse effects ranging from mild irritation to severe tissue damage, reduced fitness, and death. The impact of GPS collars on the behavior, stress, or activity, however, have rarely been tested on study species prior to release. The objective of our study was to provide a comprehensive assessment of the short-term effects of GPS collars fitted on scimitar-horned oryx (Oryx dammah), an extinct-in-the-wild antelope once widely distributed across Sahelian grasslands in North Africa. We conducted behavioral observations, assessed fecal glucocorticoid metabolites (FGM), and evaluated high-resolution data from tri-axial accelerometers. Using a series of datasets and methodologies, we illustrate clear but short-term effects to animals fitted with GPS collars from two separate manufacturers (Advanced Telemetry Systems-G2110E; Vectronic Aerospace-Vertex Plus). Behavioral observations highlighted a significant increase in the amount of headshaking from pre-treatment levels, returning below baseline levels during the post-treatment period (>3 days post-collaring). Similarly, FGM concentrations increased after GPS collars were fitted on animals but returned to pre-collaring levels within 5 days of collaring. Lastly, tri-axial accelerometers, collecting data at eight positions per second, indicated a > 480 percent increase in the amount of hourly headshaking immediately after collaring. This post-collaring increase in headshaking was estimated to decline in magnitude within 4 hours after GPS collar fitting. These effects constitute a handling and/or habituation response (model dependent), with animals showing short-term responses in activity, behavior, and stress that dissipated within several hours to several days of being fitted with GPS collars. Importantly, none of our analyses indicated any long-term effects that would have more pressing animal welfare concerns.

One of the greatest challenges in restoring threatened species to the wild is insufficient knowledge about their habitat requirements and movement ecology. This is especially true for wide-ranging species such as the scimitar-horned oryx (Oryx dammah). Once widespread across Sahelo-Saharan grasslands, oryx were declared Extinct in the Wild in 1999. Here, we integrate GPS/satellite tracking, remote sensing, and gspatial analyses into a large reintroduction project to assess how captive-born oryx respond to wild conditions. We monitored two groups of oryx, reared under different management approaches and released in different seasons, for 12 months after release. Our study provides the first movement trajectories and home range estimates ever recorded for this species. We assessed how captive management methods, release timing, and local environmental conditions during and after release affected oryx movement behavior, survival, and fecundity. Post-release dispersal ranged from 2-90 km. Oryx raised under semi-free ranging conditions, which experienced a long acclimation period, and released during the wet season (“ranging”), moved 40-60 km from the release site. In contrast, oryx raised in smaller pens, with a short acclimation period, and released during the dry season (“penned”), remained within 5-25 km. We expected oryx movements after release to represent tradeoffs between risky, energetically expensive exploratory movements, and optimal resource exploitation. Ranging oryx exhibited this predicted pattern of exploration followed by home range establishment, while penned oryx explored less novel terrain and continuously returned to the release site where supplemental food and water were available. Ranging oryx also exhibited seasonal shifts in movement patterns, while penned oryx simply reduced overall movement. Our results demonstrate that captive management and environmental conditions at release strongly influence the rate and extent to which reintroduced oryx disperse and adapt to wild conditions. We also show that – in contrast to previous studies – longer acclimation periods do not always lead to greater site fidelity. Finally, our findings demonstrate the importance of tracking the largest possible proportion of reintroduced individuals in order to: (1) accurately record post-release behaviors and vital rates of a reintroduced population and (2) adaptively evaluate pre- and post-release management actions to improve conservation outcomes.