We have been discussing within our group the question of what to do with individuals of invasive species caught during projects, which for us are in preserves and national parks. I am also curious if you think it makes a difference if it is in a preserve or not.
Ifyou are conducting a mark-recapture study, not releasing would bias your results.
Hola Jennifer:
In Chile, most of the wildlife management is carried out throughout the Hunting Law, and independent of your ethical position, is not allowed to release a mouse (Mus musculus) or a rat (Rattus spp.) in any place you catch it (being it a protected, natural or agricultural area). The authority that gives the capture permits uses a euphemism indicating “if you catch an alien species it cannot be released to the environment”, but supposedly you must use euthanasia.
Saludos cordiales.
Hola Jennifer,
Regardless of it being ethical or not, it may be dangerous for the habitat where you release them: an invasive animal can have new parasites, new behaviour, etc. which can pose a threat to the fauna living in the place you are planning to release them. In addition, if the same species is living there (for example you are planning on release rats in an environment with a native population of rats), their genetics may be different and really put in danger the native population, as well as being more agressive, dominant, etc.
I really wouldn't do that, unless an expert on those species has confirmed you that there is not a threat, supported by a genetic, parasite and behavioural study. Even then, there may be aspects that could escape your knowledge and could pose a risk for the receiving environment.
Saludos.
Your question is difficult to be answered straight away, as it is too general... I mean, it depends on the species and whether it is actually invasive (harmful) or not... If it is so, my first concern is why it is placed in a preserve or national park... if the species is declared invasive (harmful) for the environment for authorities, is there not any policy regarding its erradication or capture? If so, it would be reasonable not to release it again in the field... I would need more details on the species and current status in your country. But from the topics depicted, it looks as though you refer to Rattus norvegicus as invasive... if it is the case, I wouldn't release it (unless, as commented above by Dr. Rheinhardt, it is part of a mark-recapture experiment).
Since the information you provide suggests that the invasive species is not a target of your project, then not releasing it back into the wild will not bias your results. I am sure your project is guided by ethical rules (established by your host institution), but the Ethics Board may not have specified what must be done with bycatch or indeed injured target species. It is in the best interests of the park for invasive species to be eradicated, but as individuals your group might have issues with euthanising animals on an ad-hoc basis. My approach would be to discuss first with the park authorities - perhaps by highlighting this question, it will at least draw attention to the issue of invasive species in the park (and might even be adopted as a pilot eradication project) if these invasives do indeed have a serious negative impact on the native fauna/flora.
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