Avian Reintroduction & Translocation

Database Summary

The Avian Reintroduction and Translocation Database (ARTD) includes data on avian species and their release events that have occurred around the world. The database expands as more species and release events are entered and it changes as data are revised. Please note that the Avian Reintroduction and Translocation Database is no longer being updated and maintained, but this archived version is provided to researchers and practitioners as a resource. If you have any questions about use of the database, please direct them to conservation@lpzoo.org.

The Variables

The Glossary lists all the ARTD variables with their definitions and potential values (if appropriate).

More than 109 variables form the structure of the ARTD. These variables focus on the diverse biological factors of a reintroduction and are derived from the IUCN's Reintroduction Specialist Group (RSG) guidelines and from reintroduction literature that identifies relevant factors. While many factors impact the ability of a reintroduction to meet its goals, we limit our list to variables concerning the ecology of the species, the habitat, demographic, genetic, veterinary, behavioral and monitoring factors.

The Data

An objective for this database is standardized, quantified data that can be compared and contrasted across programs.

All values in the ARTD are extracted from a Reference Source that is associated with the value. These diverse reference sources include peer-reviewed literature which serves as our main reference source; grey literature (e.g., program reports) and web-based information serve as secondary reference sources. For some release events, we contact the authors/managers to clarify or obtain data. When collaborators contribute data, reference sources may also include personal communications. When possible, we use recognized reference sources; for example, most species information is extracted from the series Handbook of Birds of the World, editors Josep del Hoyo, Andrew Elliott and Jordi Sargatal, Lynx Edicions. We realize that values may differ depending on the source. For example, Reference Source A may categorize a species diet as an "omnivore" while Reference Source B may categorize it as a "carnivore." In these cases, we use the source we consider the most reliable based on our experience. Because we identify the source for the data, users can go to the origin for substantiation or clarification.

When values exist for a variable we enter the value and the reference source but we also make an attempt to record the different types of unknown values. Throughout the ARTD, we distinguish unknown values with three categories: "Not located", "Unknowable", "Not researched."

• Not located indicates that the information may be known or available but was not found during the research.
• Unknowable indicates that the information is not known by anyone and is not available anywhere.
• Not researched indicates that no attempt was made to locate the information.

Data Conventions

In some situations, we need to make decisions about data entry. To standardize those decisions we developed conventions (i.e., regular practices).

• For multiple Release Events reported in one year
  In most cases, the reference source reports releases as separate events. However, for some species with a long history of multiple events, the reference source synthesizes data on release events; for example, all releases that occurred in a calendar year are reported with a single set of data. In this case, the ARTD reports multiple events as a single event and the date of release is "January 1, YYYY".
• For Release Events with unknown dates but known year
  When the day and month of a release are unknown, "January 1, YYYY" is the date entered into the event.