Although reintroducing carnivores like ocelots is crucial for population recovery and ecosystem restoration, there has been a lack of published population models to guide these efforts until now. A new study modeling ocelot reintroduction in Texas shows that long-term releases (initial six ocelots followed by four annually for 10-15 years), combined with careful genetic management and habitat protection, are necessary to establish a viable population of at least 36 individuals with minimal extinction risk.
