1
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Bladow RA, Strohmayer KA, Johnstone HK, Eebes KS, Dorsey CL, Andrews JE. Impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on population management in AZA. Zoo Biol 2024; 43:255-267. [PMID: 38376904 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
Soon after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, almost all Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) facilities closed to the public. Resulting cost-saving and safety measures led some facilities to temporarily cease or reduce animal breeding and/or transfers. We surveyed AZA facilities and Species Survival Plan® (SSP) Coordinators for AZA's cooperative population management programs to evaluate how widespread these decisions were, if impacts varied by taxa, and how the AZA community navigated related challenges during the pandemic. We found that 60% of responding facilities did not suspend breeding and 22% did not suspend transfers. About 50% of responding zoos increased their reliance on ground transportation to move animals, while aquariums reported no change to transportation methods. SSP Coordinators reported the main reason why breeding decreased, regardless of taxa, was due to canceled or delayed transfers. The reasons transfers decreased differed by taxa, such as limited financial resources and lack of access to air transportation. The majority of respondents for both surveys stated transfers were the greatest challenge they faced. To address this, facilities utilized alternative transportation methods and worked closely with nearby zoos and aquariums for the movement of animals, while SSP Coordinators issued alternative transfer recommendations. If another pandemic or other widespread facility closure occurs, our research highlights the importance of communication, collaboration, and flexibility to fulfill breeding and transfer recommendations to maintain sustainable zoo and aquarium populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel A Bladow
- AZA Population Management Center, Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - John E Andrews
- AZA Population Management Center, Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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2
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Powell DM. Losing the forest for the tree? On the wisdom of subpopulation management. Zoo Biol 2023; 42:591-604. [PMID: 37218348 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Animal habitats are changing around the world in many ways, presenting challenges to the survival of species. Zoo animal populations are also challenged by small population sizes and limited genetic diversity. Some ex situ populations are managed as subpopulations based on presumed subspecies or geographic locality and related concerns over genetic purity or taxonomic integrity. However, these decisions can accelerate the loss of genetic diversity and increase the likelihood of population extinction. Here I challenge the wisdom of subpopulation management, pointing out significant concerns in the literature with delineation of species, subspecies, and evolutionarily significant units. I also review literature demonstrating the value of gene flow for preserving adaptive potential, the often-misunderstood role of hybridization in evolution, and the likely overstated concerns about outbreeding depression, and preservation of local adaptations. I argue that the most effective way to manage animal populations for the long term be they in human care, in the wild, or if a captive population is being managed for reintroduction, is to manage for maximum genetic diversity rather than managing subpopulations focusing on taxonomic integrity, genetic purity, or geographic locale because selection in the future, rather than the past, will determine what genotypes and phenotypes are the most fit. Several case studies are presented to challenge the wisdom of subpopulation management and stimulate thinking about the preservation of genomes rather than species, subspecies, or lineages because those units evolved in habitats that are likely very different from those habitats today and in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M Powell
- Department of Reproductive & Behavioral Sciences, Saint Louis Zoo, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
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3
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Gray SM, Parsons AW, Andrews JE, Schad Eebes K, Faust LJ, Che-Castaldo J. Institutional networks in cooperative population management: Exploring patterns in transfer fulfillment. Zoo Biol 2023; 42:547-556. [PMID: 36872655 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
Long-term sustainability of ex-situ animal populations is important for zoos and aquariums, but challenging due to inconsistent compliance with Breeding and Transfer Plans. Transfer recommendations are key to promoting the sustainability of ex-situ animal populations by ensuring cohesive populations, genetic diversity, and demographic stability, but factors affecting their fulfillment are poorly understood. We used a network analysis framework to analyze data compiled from PMCTrack from 2011 to 2019 for three taxonomic classes (mammals, birds, and reptiles/amphibians) within the Association of Zoos and Aquariums to assess factors affecting transfer recommendation fulfillment. Of 2505 compiled transfer recommendations spanning 330 Species Survival Plan® (SSP) Programs and 156 institutions, 1628 (65%) of them were fulfilled. Transfers were most likely to be fulfilled between institutions in close proximity with an established relationship. Annual operating budget, SSP Coordinator experience, number of staff, and diversity of Taxonomic Advisory Groups in which an institution participates also influenced transfer recommendations and/or fulfillment, but effects varied with taxonomic class. Our results suggest that current practices of focusing on transfers between institutions in close proximity are working to maximize transfer success and that institutions with larger budgets and some degree of taxonomic specialization play important roles in promoting success. Success could be further enhanced by building reciprocal transfer relationships and encouraging further development of relationships between smaller institutions and larger ones. These results emphasize the utility of examining animal transfers using a network approach, which accounts for attributes of both sending and receiving institutions, describing novel patterns otherwise left undetected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven M Gray
- Alexander Center for Applied Population Biology, Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Arielle W Parsons
- Alexander Center for Applied Population Biology, Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - John E Andrews
- AZA Population Management Center, Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | | | - Lisa J Faust
- Alexander Center for Applied Population Biology, Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Judy Che-Castaldo
- Alexander Center for Applied Population Biology, Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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4
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Alverson DP, Martin MS, Hebebrand CT, Greggor AL, Masuda B, Swaisgood RR. Designing a mate choice program: Tactics trialed and lessons learned with the critically endangered honeycreeper, 'akikiki (
Oreomystis bairdi
). CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2023. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.12923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
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5
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Smith D, Abeli T, Bruns EB, Dalrymple SE, Foster J, Gilbert TC, Hogg CJ, Lloyd NA, Meyer A, Moehrenschlager A, Murrell O, Rodriguez JP, Smith PP, Terry A, Ewen JG. Extinct in the wild: The precarious state of Earth's most threatened group of species. Science 2023; 379:eadd2889. [PMID: 36821678 DOI: 10.1126/science.add2889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
Extinct in the Wild (EW) species are placed at the highest risk of extinction under the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List, but the extent and variation in this risk have never been evaluated. Harnessing global databases of ex situ animal and plant holdings, we report on the perilous state of EW species. Most EW animal species-already compromised by their small number of founders-are maintained at population sizes far below the thresholds necessary to ensure demographic security. Most EW plant species depend on live propagation by a small number of botanic gardens, with a minority secured at seed bank institutions. Both extinctions and recoveries are possible fates for EW species. We urgently call for international effort to enable the latter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donal Smith
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, London, UK
| | - Thomas Abeli
- Department of Science, University of Roma Tre, Roma, Italy
- IUCN SSC Conservation Translocation Specialist Group, Calgary, Canada
| | - Emily Beckman Bruns
- Botanic Gardens Conservation International-US, San Marino, CA, USA
- Chicago Botanic Gardens, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Sarah E Dalrymple
- IUCN SSC Conservation Translocation Specialist Group, Calgary, Canada
- School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Jeremy Foster
- Botanic Gardens Conservation International-US, San Marino, CA, USA
- Chicago Botanic Gardens, Chicago, IL, USA
- Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Tania C Gilbert
- IUCN SSC Conservation Translocation Specialist Group, Calgary, Canada
- Marwell Wildlife, Hampshire, UK
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Carolyn J Hogg
- IUCN SSC Conservation Translocation Specialist Group, Calgary, Canada
- Faculty of Science, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Natasha A Lloyd
- IUCN SSC Conservation Translocation Specialist Group, Calgary, Canada
- Wilder Institute / Calgary Zoo, Calgary, Canada
| | - Abby Meyer
- Botanic Gardens Conservation International-US, San Marino, CA, USA
| | - Axel Moehrenschlager
- IUCN SSC Conservation Translocation Specialist Group, Calgary, Canada
- Wilder Institute / Calgary Zoo, Calgary, Canada
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Canada
| | - Olivia Murrell
- Botanic Gardens Conservation International-US, San Marino, CA, USA
- Chicago Botanic Gardens, Chicago, IL, USA
- Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Jon Paul Rodriguez
- IUCN Species Survival Commission, Caracas, Venezuela
- Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas, and Provita, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Paul P Smith
- Botanic Gardens Conservation International, Surrey, UK
| | | | - John G Ewen
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, London, UK
- IUCN SSC Conservation Translocation Specialist Group, Calgary, Canada
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6
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Gray SM, Faust LJ, Senner P, Eebes KS, Che-Castaldo JP. Influence of institutional attributes on fulfillment of transfer and breeding recommendations in zoos and aquariums. Zoo Biol 2023; 42:142-149. [PMID: 35960010 PMCID: PMC10087762 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Compliance with Breeding and Transfer Plan (BTP) recommendations is important to promote long-term viability and meet the management goals of the Association of Zoos and Aquarium Species Survival Plans (SSPs®). However, individual institutions may fulfill recommendations at different rates, potentially compromising management efforts. We examined institution-level fulfillment rates of BTP recommendations (i.e, "Hold," "Send To," "Breed With," and "Do Not Breed"), and how rates differ based on institutional attributes related to resource levels, geographic location and climate, involvement in population management, and the SSPs in which institutions participated using conditional random forests and generalized linear mixed models. We analyzed 52,182 recommendations from 375 SSPs issued to 170 institutions in BTPs published from 2012 to 2019. Contrary to predictions, our results did not reveal large differences in fulfillment rates based on resources, geographic location, or climate variables at the institution level. We found modest patterns indicating that recommendation fulfillment for Hold and Do Not Breed recommendations in mammals was lower with longer interplanning periods, while fulfillment of Hold recommendations in birds increased with the average experience of individuals in SSP leadership roles. For herptiles, fulfillment of Send To recommendations was moderately higher in institutions with species spread across more herptile taxonomic advisory groups (the management unit for related species). Although our results suggest that overarching institutional factors do not have a strong influence on fulfillment rates at the scale of our study, more focused research within a specific temporal window, taxa, or suite of SSPs may reveal more informative patterns for population management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven M Gray
- Alexander Center for Applied Population Biology, Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Lisa J Faust
- Alexander Center for Applied Population Biology, Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Paul Senner
- AZA Population Management Center, Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Kristine S Eebes
- AZA Population Management Center, Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Judy P Che-Castaldo
- Alexander Center for Applied Population Biology, Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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7
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Gray SM, Faust LJ, Kuykendall NA, Bladow RA, Schad Eebes K, Che‐Castaldo JP. Reasons for unfulfilled breeding and transfer recommendations in zoos and aquariums. Zoo Biol 2022; 41:143-156. [PMID: 34870877 PMCID: PMC9299711 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
One of the primary tools for cooperatively managing animal populations within the Association of Zoos and Aquariums is through Breeding and Transfer Plan (BTP) recommendations. These recommendations consider population demographics, genetics, husbandry, and institutional needs and aim to improve population viability and long-term sustainability. However, fulfilling (i.e., completing) recommendations can be complicated by biological and logistical challenges. We examined institutional reasons for unfulfilled Breed With, Do Not Breed, Hold, and Send To recommendations collected in surveys in PMCTrack, software for tracking recommendation fulfillment, using descriptive and text-mining methods. Overall, 73 Animal Programs used PMCTrack to distribute 2335 surveys and accrued responses from 167 zoos and aquariums from 2007 to 2019, with a response rate of 56% (n = 1307). For Breed With recommendations, common reasons were related to an individual animal's status and a pair's breeding behavior; for all other recommendation types, reasons were often management or logistical factors. Most Breed With recommendations were attempted (≥55%) but did not result in detectable pregnancy/eggs or offspring, due to pair incompatibility or not enough time to successfully produce offspring. Hold and Do Not Breed recommendations were often unfulfilled because the BTP recommendation was replaced with an interim (i.e., updated) recommendation during the inter-planning period. Our results support the importance of some common population management practices, such as maintaining breeding pairs/groups for multiple BTPs to improve mate familiarity, examining husbandry mechanisms to promote breeding success, and making a concerted effort to adhere to planning timelines to facilitate transfers in alignment with breeding seasons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven M. Gray
- Alexander Center for Applied Population Biology, Lincoln Park ZooChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Lisa J. Faust
- Alexander Center for Applied Population Biology, Lincoln Park ZooChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Nicole A. Kuykendall
- Alexander Center for Applied Population Biology, Lincoln Park ZooChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Rachel A. Bladow
- AZA Population Management Center, Lincoln Park ZooChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | | | - Judy P. Che‐Castaldo
- Alexander Center for Applied Population Biology, Lincoln Park ZooChicagoIllinoisUSA
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8
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Li MF, Swaisgood RR, Owen MA, Zhang H, Zhang G, Qiu J, Martin MS. Consequences of nescient mating: artificial insemination increases cub rejection in the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca). Appl Anim Behav Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2022.105565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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9
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Santymire RM, Ali N, Marinari PE, Livieri TM. Using hair cortisol analysis to understand the biological factors that affect black-footed ferret ( Mustela nigripes) stress physiology. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 9:coab033. [PMID: 34007452 PMCID: PMC8114467 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coab033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes) was driven to near extinction due to habitat loss and an introduced disease, sylvatic plague (Yersinia pestis). After 35 years of breeding in ex situ facilities, the black-footed ferret has been experiencing infertility with seminal traits declining in males and only about a third of breeding-aged females are whelping. Our goal was to use hair cortisol analysis to determine if the ex situ population was experiencing chronic stress that was affecting reproduction by comparing captive ferrets to wild individuals. Our specific objectives were to (i) compare hair cortisol concentrations (HCCs) between age classes (juveniles versus adults), (ii) compare the HCCs of in situ and across different ex situ facilities and (iii) determine the relationship between HCCs and reproductive success. Overall, wild juveniles had higher HCC than wild adults. Our generalized linear mixed model determined that the parameters that best predict HCC for adults were the interactions among sex, in situ versus ex situ facilities and season. During both seasons, wild females had higher HCCs compared to the ex situ females. During the breeding season, male HCCs across breeding facilities varied and males at the breeding facility with the largest ferret habitats had HCCs similar to wild males. At one breeding facility, HCC was higher in males that sired compared to those that did not sire. In conclusion, ex situ ferrets do not have higher HCC than wild individuals when controlling for season and ex situ habitat size, and ex situ males with higher HCC tended to sire. This suggests that HCC may be metabolically driven and/or that low HCC may be an indication of hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis dysregulation and warrants further investigation both for laboratory validation and biological relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- R M Santymire
- Conservation and Science Department, Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N. Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614, USA
- Committee on Evolutionary Biology, University of Chicago, 1025 E. 57th St, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - N Ali
- Conservation and Science Department, Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N. Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614, USA
- Committee on Evolutionary Biology, University of Chicago, 1025 E. 57th St, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - P E Marinari
- Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, 1500 Remount Rd, Front Royal, VA 22630, USA
| | - T M Livieri
- Prairie Wildlife Research, PO Box 308, Wellington, CO 80549, USA
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10
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Franklin AD, Lacy RC, Bauman KL, Traylor‐Holzer K, Powell DM. Incorporating drivers of reproductive success improves population viability analysis. Anim Conserv 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/acv.12642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Robert C. Lacy
- Species Conservation Toolkit Initiative Chicago Zoological Society Brookfield IL USA
| | | | | | - David M. Powell
- AZA Reproductive Management Center Saint Louis Zoo Saint Louis MO USA
- Saint Louis Zoo One Government Drive Saint Louis MO USA
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11
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Martin MS, Owen M, Wintle NJP, Zhang G, Zhang H, Swaisgood RR. Stereotypic behaviour predicts reproductive performance and litter sex ratio in giant pandas. Sci Rep 2020; 10:7263. [PMID: 32350317 PMCID: PMC7190838 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-63763-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Breeding and welfare problems confront many conservation breeding programs. Stereotypies-repetitive, unvarying, functionless behaviours -are common abnormal behaviours that often arise in suboptimal conditions. While the role of stereotypies in welfare assessment is well studied, few investigations address the relationship between stereotypic behaviour and reproduction. We examined the correlation between stereotypic behaviour and reproductive performance in 101 giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca). High stereotyping males copulated more and produced more cubs, suggesting that highly sexually motivated males were prone to stereotypy but also had high reproductive competence. Female stereotypies were negatively associated with all reproductive measures closely tied to behavioural competence: high stereotyping females were less likely to copulate, less likely to mother-rear cubs, and-probably a result of poor maternal care-had lower cub survival. However, females that exhibited stereotypies were more likely to produce a cub, suggesting stereotypies are tied to behavioural but not physiological competence. High stereotyping female pandas also displayed strong and consistent bias toward production of female offspring while paternal relationship to sex allocation was the reverse. These results are consistent with stress-mediated sex allocation theory. Our findings raise concern about differential reproductive success among high and low stereotyping pandas, and possible genetic adaptation to captivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan S Martin
- Institute for Conservation Research, San Diego Zoo Global, 15600 San Pasqual Valley Rd., Escondido, California, 92027, USA.,PDXWildlife, 9233 SW Brier Pl., Portland, OR, 97219, USA
| | - Megan Owen
- Institute for Conservation Research, San Diego Zoo Global, 15600 San Pasqual Valley Rd., Escondido, California, 92027, USA
| | | | - Guiquan Zhang
- China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, Wolong, Sichuan, 623006, P.R. China
| | - Hemin Zhang
- China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, Wolong, Sichuan, 623006, P.R. China
| | - Ronald R Swaisgood
- Institute for Conservation Research, San Diego Zoo Global, 15600 San Pasqual Valley Rd., Escondido, California, 92027, USA.
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12
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Lueders I, Allen WRT. Managed wildlife breeding-an undervalued conservation tool? Theriogenology 2020; 150:48-54. [PMID: 32088045 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.01.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Knowledge of and the technologies and resources applied to the ex situ care for wildlife have improved greatly in recent years. This has resulted in numerous successes bringing back populations from the brink of extinction by the reintroduction or restoration of animals from conservation breeding programmes. Controlled breeding of wildlife by humans is discussed controversially in society and in scientific circles and it faces a number of significant challenges. When natural breeding fails, Assisted Reproduction Technologies (ART) have been postulated to increase reproductive output and maintain genetic diversity. Furthermore, technical advances have improved the potential for successful collection and cryopreservation of gametes and embryos in many wildlife species. With the aim of creating a better understanding of why ex situ and in situ conservation of threatened species must complement each other, and under which circumstances ART provide additional tools in the rescue of a threatened population, we elucidate the current situation here by using as examples three different megavertebrate families: elephantidae, rhinoceridae and giraffidae. These mammal families consist of charismatic species, and most of their members are currently facing dramatic declines in population numbers. On the basis of these and other examples, we highlight the importance of captive zoo and other managed wildlife populations for species survival in a human dominated world. Without the possibility to study reproductive physiology in trained or habituated captive individuals, major advances made in wildlife ART during the past 20 years would not have been possible. This paper reviews the benefits and future challenges of large mammal conservation breeding and examines the role of assisted reproduction in such efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imke Lueders
- GEOlifes Animal Fertility and Reproductive Research, 22457, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - W R Twink Allen
- Sharjah Equine Hospital, P.O. Box, 29858, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
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13
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Che-Castaldo J, Johnson B, Magrisso N, Mechak L, Melton K, Mucha K, Terwilliger L, Theis M, Long S, Faust L. Patterns in the long-term viability of North American zoo populations. Zoo Biol 2019; 38:78-94. [DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2018] [Revised: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Judy Che-Castaldo
- Alexander Center for Applied Population Biology; Lincoln Park Zoo; Chicago Illinois
| | | | | | | | - Kayla Melton
- Association of Zoos and Aquariums Population Management Center; Lincoln Park Zoo; Chicago Illinois
| | | | | | | | | | - Lisa Faust
- Alexander Center for Applied Population Biology; Lincoln Park Zoo; Chicago Illinois
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