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Freshwater Biodiversity Toolbox

Conservation Introductions

Many wild populations have been depleted due multiple threats such as degradation of habitat or other anthropogenic stressors. Introducing captive-bred species into the wild or translocating individuals from one area to another are some ways in which natural populations can be enhanced where already present. There are also movements to re-introduce species that have not been present in their natural range for some time or bring species to completely new areas. Outcomes of these introductions can vary widely as species may successfully establish themselves and fill in a missing ecological niche or fail to do so. If established successfully, species may have positive or negative impacts on other species in the habitat or the ecosystem as a whole. Introduced species can include amphibians, fish, mammals, crustaceans, or aquatic plants.

Rating:
Ten syntheses had low scores in CEESAT demonstrating limitations in the rigour and the transparency in which these reviews were conducted (i.e., no a-priori protocol, critical appraisal, or search strategy provided). Three syntheses scored Green in at least one CEESAT category; Gherardi et al. (2011) and Campbell-Palmer et al. (2010) conducted reviews that utilized a wide variety of source material (e.g., grey literature, peer-reviewed publications). Smith et al. (2014) provided sufficient details regarding their eligibility criteria and extraction process in their methodology. RASCAT scoring varied for this intervention; syntheses scored fairly well in the majority of elements, especially with regards to the habitat types reviewed and countries' Polity scores. Many syntheses were not published recently, were not similar in geography or species to Canada, and were unable to demonstrate considerations of implications, practical advice, or recommendations for decision-makers.

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