Guidelines for the rehabilitation and release of vervet monkeys

Abstract

In South Africa, conflict between humans and vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus aethiops) has led to large numbers of the species coming into care in rehabilitation centers. An accumulation of displaced vervet monkeys in such centers has necessitated the process of troop formation and release. To date, the quality of methods used has been variable, as have the outcomes of rehabilitation and release efforts. Here we present proposed guidelines for the rehabilitation and release of vervet monkeys based on studies of vervet monkey rehabilitation, behavior and biology, in conjunction with existing guidelines for nonhuman primate reintroductions produced by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The aim of these guidelines is to facilitate improved rehabilitation, release, and post-release monitoring and assessment, with the ultimate goal of improving release outcomes.