Control of behavioral development in the context of reintroduction programs for birds

Abstract Only over the last few decades has there been a concerted effort to develop and refine release methods for threatened species. With the goal of achieving self‐sustaining wild populations, three main techniques have been employed: parent‐rearing, cross‐fostering, and isolation‐rearing. Although there are many considerations in developing or selecting the most efficient method for any given species, the behavioral aspects of preparing birds for release are important. The concept of different life history strategies may also help in designing a preparation and release methodology. The degree of interspecific and intraspecific sociality also is important in the development of effective behavioral preparation of individuals for release. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.