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Problems and Solutions of Captive Breeding and Release Programmes,…
Problems and Solutions of Captive Breeding and Release Programmes
Few animals available to choose from for mating
Begin programme before population reaches low levels
High mortality (death rates) due to e.g. stress
Keep populations as high as possible and maintain realistic habitats.
low genetic diversity of the captive population
breed between zoos, maintain stud books
Species may lose their ability to survive in original habitat - no ongoing experience of changing environment.
Recreate realistic habitats.
Little opportunity for development of learnt behaviours.
Maintain families/age ranges.
expensive
educate zoo visitors to benifits of captive breeding and increase entry fees
Money spent of captive breeding does nothing to conserve threatened habitats.
Combine ex-situ and in-situ breeding approaches.
Specific requirements e.g. food, nesting material
Space for large animals
Complicated species interralationships.
Breeding/non-breeding individuals don't usually mix in the wild. May cause conflict in captivity.
Population interactions and breeding success.
Factors that inhibit breeding success.
conditions
precise timing of breeding is vital to increase the survival chances of their young. breeding can be triggered by stimuli such as day length, light level, temperature and amount of food or stored body fat.
population interactions
in the wild some breeding pairs may choose to isolate while non breeding would be elsewhere but in captivity they are all together and it may cause conflict and reduce survival of eggs and chicks.
breeding habitat
some may only breed in suitable habitats such as one that includes a suitable site for courtship display, social grouping, an area for hunting or a nest
gene pool size
captive populations have a small gene pool size which increases risk of inbreeding. Harmful recessive genes may be common in the population and cause undesirable characteristics in the offsprings.
hybridisation
this is the inbreeding between two different species or genetically distinct groups resulting in a hybrid offspring with mixed traits
Methods of increasing breeding success.
Cryopreservation
Artificial Insemination
Embryo transfer
Micro-propagation of plants
Cloning
Successful release of captive bred animals -> key features of release programmes
Population viabiltiy
Habitat sustainability
Risk assessment
Community support
Local and official backing for protection.
Low predation risk for released animals.
Large area with food, water, breeding sites etc.
Sufficient individuals for sustainable population.
Hard or soft release?
Hard release
No support
Suitable for insects, fish and reptiles
Soft release
Gradual acclimation, food provision, skill development
Suitable for mammals and birds
Challenges for released animals
Predator release consideration
Captive born parents have limited hunting experience
Lack of practice and skill transfer
Post-release monitoring
GPS collars
Collect movement patterns
Habitat use insights
Camera traps
Collect behaviour observations
Social interactions
Health checks
Physical condition
Survival rate assessments
Food recognition
Predator awareness
Social intergration
Conditions for breeding
Precise timing for breeding
Breeding is often triggered by specific stimuli e.g. day length
Essential conditions must be known and provided for breeding to be successful