| Past attempts at reintroducing herpetofauna to parts of their native range from which they have been extirpated have had mixed results, with some successes and many failures. Soft release techniques, whereby individuals can acclimate to the reintroduction area prior to full release, are frequently employed with the intention of improving outcomes. However, the effectiveness of soft release techniques is difficult to quantify. This study compared the growth rates of soft and hard released individuals in a founder population of northern western pond turtles (Actinemys marmorata) introduced into an urban lake in the Presidio of San Francisco, California. The soft release treatment group was held in the study lake in an enclosed pen for several days and provisioned with food prior to full release. The hard release group was placed directly into the lake with no acclimation period. Morphometric measurements were taken immediately prior to release, and for approximately five months following release, turtles were recaptured and measured to determine growth rates.
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