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Since the early 1990s, translocation has been advocated as a means of mitigating impacts to endangered kangaroo rats from development activities in the San Joaquin Valley. The factors affecting translocation are numerous and complex, and failure rates are high. Based on work we have done primarily with Tipton kangaroo rats and on published information on translocations and reintroductions, we provide recommendations for future translocations or reintroductions of kangaroo rats. If the recommended criteria we offer cannot be satisfied, we advocate that translocations not be attempted. Translocation under less than optimal conditions significantly reduces the probability of success and also raises ethical questions.