Many reptile species around the world have become endangered through loss of habitat caused by development and other human activities. One of the methods conservation biologists use to save endangered reptile populations is translocation. Translocation involves capturing animals in areas where their existence is threatened and moving them to new areas with a suitable habitat. Some critics point out, however, that translocation of reptiles has too often been unsuccessful, and they conclude that the method simply does not work for several reasons.
First, translocation programs sometimes involve not only capturing wild reptiles but also breeding reptiles in captivity before introducing them into a new area. Critics of translocation suggest that reptiles growing up in captivity do not have a chance to develop important behaviors that would allow them to survive in the wild. For example, many animals raised in captivity are not able to recognize and avoid predators
Second, even animals that are introduced into a new area after being captured in the wild often will not stay settled in the new area. Some species of reptiles, for example, have a so-called homing behavior, which is a strong behavioral drive to return to the place where they were born and grew up. After being released in a new area, animals with a strong homing drive try to migrate back to their original habitat and often are killed during the migration.
Third, no matter where the reptiles were born, releasing them on their own directly into an unfamiliar environment also known as a "hard release"-produces a tremendous amount of stress, The result is that the reptiles are often disoriented and unable to adapt quickly to their new surroundings: for example, they are often unable to locate food sources in sufficient quantity to survive.
Summarize the points made in the lecture, being sure to explain how they respond to the specific points made in the reading passage.
The reading passage presents three arguments to support the idea that translocation is an ineffective method for conserving endangered reptiles. However, the lecturer challenges these claims and argues that translocation can be a successful and practical conservation strategy.
Firstly, the passage argues that reptiles raised in captivity lack the survival skills needed to live in the wild, such as recognizing predators. However, the professor counters this by explaining that most reptile behaviors are innate, not learned. He mentions an experiment showing that captive-raised lizards reacted to predators just like wild lizards, proving they can survive in the wild.
Secondly, the passage claims that reptiles’ homing behavior makes them return to their original habitat, often leading to their death during migration. However, the professor explains that homing behavior is weaker in young reptiles. By relocating younger reptiles, they are more likely to stay and adapt to the new habitat.
Lastly, the passage argues that “hard releases,” where reptiles are put directly into new environments, cause stress and survival issues like finding food. The professor counters this by suggesting “soft releases,” where reptiles are kept in protected enclosures and given food to help them gradually adapt, increasing their chances of survival.
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