Physiological acclimation of elk during population restoration in the Missouri Ozarks, USA.

Conservation translocations-the intentional movement of animals to restore populations-have increased over the past 30 years to halt and reverse species declines and losses. However, there are many challenges translocated animals face that should be considered for restoration programs to be successful. Understanding how long it takes for translocated animals to acclimate to these challenges and their new landscape is a critical component of post-release population management.

MENINGEAL WORM ( PARELAPHOSTRONGYLUS TENUIS) AS A CAUSE OF MORTALITY IN THE RESTORED ELK ( CERVUS CANADENSIS) POPULATION IN MISSOURI, USA.

:  Meningeal worm ( Parelaphostrongylus tenuis) is an important cause of mortality of elk ( Cervus canadensis) in populations in the eastern US and has been implicated in the failure of several restoration attempts. From 2011 to 2013, the Missouri Department of Conservation translocated 108 adult and yearling elk from Kentucky (US) to southern Missouri (US) to establish a free-ranging population. From release in spring 2011 through August 2015, we monitored 167 elk (adult, yearling, and calf) to determine causes of mortality.