Propagation plans

Abstract

Optimal plans to manage captive populations for propagation depend upon the goals of the program. Two basic goals have been proposed. The first and more frequent is preservation of genetic diversity in captivity for return to natural environments. The second is adapting a wild population to propagation in the captive environment. Each goal prescribes a general strategy for demographic and genetic management: a plan for return to natural environments and a plan for adaptation to the captive environment. These plans can be considered ends of a spectrum of possible management programs. Similarities and differences in the two plans are discussed. Practical contraints limit the implementation of the basic management plans.

Genetic Analyses of Wild Populations of Hawaiian Geese Using DNA Fingerprinting

“…If selection is absent, successful colonization of only one migrant into a population per generation can prevent homozygosity from accumulating (Crow and Kimura 1970). Thus, genetic benefits of a large population, such as increased genetic diversity and decreased levels of inbreeding (Wright 1931, Nei et al 1975, can be achieved even with low migration rates (Foose et al 1986).…”

Burrowing Owl Diet at a Migratory Stopover Site and Wintering Ground on Southeast Farallon Island, California

“…Up to 40 individuals would be collected and housed in captivity in order to retain 23 sufficient genetic diversity in the population (Foose et al 1986) should an unexpected, large 24 mortality event occur. Individual salamanders would not be collected from under cover boards in 25 an effort to minimize impacts to the long-term monitoring program that is currently in place.…”

Molecular systematics for taxonomic placement of a gorilla of uncertain origin

“…Since zoos ceased importing gorillas from Africa in the 1970s, the genetic and demographic health of the captive population relies on a sophisticated breeding management program that is part of all SSPs. Essential to SSP strategy is the establishment of genetically viable populations derived from 25 or more wild-caught founders, rapid expansion of the population, and the equalization of family sizes in each succeeding generation to maintain genetic variability [Ryder, 1981;Soule et al, 1986;Ralls and Ballou, 1986;Foose et al, 1986]. Because Ivan is a wild-caught individual, previously without opportunity to reproduce, he is considered unrelated to all other gorillas in North America and remains a potential founder for the SSP population.…”