Captive Management Research Articles

The presence of experienced individuals enhance the behavior and survival of reintroduced woolly monkeys in Colombia.

Primate populations are under threat due to human activities, like illegal trafficking, requiring conservation efforts such as reintroduction programs. However, these initiatives often encounter challenges, such as aspects of individual behavior related to movement and foraging. The presence of experienced conspecifics has been suggested to improve the success of these programs. This study focuses on woolly monkeys and examines how the presence of experienced conspecifics influences the performance of reintroduced individuals. Focal animal sampling was used to collect data on proximity, diet composition, home range, and use of vertical strata of three groups of reintroduced woolly monkeys. Data was analyzed for the first 2 and 6months after release of individuals. The results reveal that the involvement of experienced conspecifics speeds up the process of adaptation, particularly in terms of diet diversity and spatial utilization; however, differences in individual responses were also prevalent. Our findings highlight the importance of incorporating individuals with prior wild experience into reintroduction groups for improving the likelihood of success. Additionally, the study underscores the role of social learning in captive management practices, aiding in post-release behavioral adaptation and survival. This research offers valuable insights for primate conservation, emphasizing the significance of considering the presence of experienced individuals and possible social learning processes in the planning and execution of effective reintroduction efforts.

Feed palatability and consumption of Eclectus Roratus Biaki in The Captivity of Bird and Ochid Park in Biak Numfor

This study aimed to assess the palatability and feed consumption of bayan parrots (Eclectus roratus biaki) in the captivity at the Bird and Orchid Park in Biak, using a variety of local feed combinations. The feeds consisted of fruits (papaya and bananas) and seeds (mung beans and sweet corn). A total of 8 parrots (4 males and four females) were used, housed in pairs within individual cages. Four treatments were tested: P0 (papaya and banana), P1 (papaya, banana, and mung beans), P2 (papaya, banana, and sweet corn), and P3 (papaya, banana, mung beans, and sweet corn). Feed and water were provided ad libitum and feed consumption was measured by weighing the remaining feed daily. The results indicated that bananas had the highest palatability and consumption across all treatments, with the highest feed consumption occurring in the P3 treatment, which included a combination of fruits and seeds. Palatability index, dry matter intake, and organic matter intake were higher when parrots were offered a varied diet. No significant differences were found between treatments in daily consumption, but the variety in feed combinations led to improved consumption patterns. The findings suggest that providing a balanced and varied diet consisting of fruits and seeds is crucial for optimizing bayan parrots' nutritional intake and health in captivity. This study contributes to improved feeding strategies for captive management and conservation efforts, ensuring the well-being of this endemic species.

The Captive Insurance Opportunity in Alberta: Drivers of Success in Captive Domiciles

The annual economic impact from captive insurance companies in Alberta could range as high as C$139 million, but changes to the province’s current policies are necessary for the industry ideally to grow to 210 captives by 2033, up from the 20 licensed captives as of July 2024. Alberta’s Captive Insurance Companies Act came into force in July 2022, making it the second province after British Columbia to permit captive insurance companies. Diversifying Alberta’s economy and building the province’s financial sector are important parts of the rationale behind Alberta’s captive insurance legislation, but much remains to be done. To determine how Alberta can build on its early success, this paper extracts lessons from studies on captive insurance in Bermuda, Delaware, North and South Carolina, Vermont and Hawaii that measured captives’ economic benefits. Economic impact estimates per captive are as high as C$564,400 annually, demonstrating how a healthy captive market positively impacts a domicile. For example, in 2016, Delaware’s 1,081 captives generated US$360 million in economic activity, US$109 million in labour income and 2,573 jobs. Alberta already has a sound foundation for success. The province’s speed of licensing means companies’ applications are approved within six weeks of being submitted. Alberta allows limited partnerships as a corporate structure for captives as well as the ability for companies to insure risks in other provinces. Being located in Alberta means time and cost savings for captives that can then avoid the expense of offshore travel for setup, board meetings and administration, aided by easy access to the regulator. Allowing for non-resident captive managers has proved attractive to companies from other domiciles, but fine-tuning these and other regulations is key if the industry is to flourish in Alberta. For example, while four of Alberta’s 20 captives have established operations in the province, if Alberta were to require captive managers to be based in the province, this would generate a higher impact from employment and greater economic benefits. To successfully compete with Barbados and Bermuda, Alberta needs to lower its minimum capital requirements for captives — $250,000 for pure captives and $500,000 for association and sophisticated insured captives. The Alberta government should also permit inter-company loans as an acceptable form of capital, as Bermuda and Barbados already do. Alberta needs to expand its policy of not requiring collateral for reinsurance so that Alberta’s captives can access the Bermuda and Swiss reinsurance markets, which account for 27 per cent of the global property and casualty reinsurance industry. Successful domiciles for captive insurance also allow for protected cell captives (PCC), which attract smaller entities because their operating costs can be up to 50 per cent lower than pure single-parent captives and the cells can be set up in days. The domiciles examined in this paper also have no insurance premium tax (IPT), engage with regulators and the industry via trade associations and hire experienced captive regulators — something it could take years for Alberta to achieve unless managers are recruited from elsewhere. Alberta needs PCC legislation targeted at captive insurers, while examining the feasibility of creating an annual dollar IPT maximum and lowering IPT rates for captives. The province ought to also encourage the creation of an industry association whose members would engage with government on legislation and hire senior regulators to bring their expertise to the province. By learning from the experiences of other domiciles and implementing their best practices, Alberta can quickly begin benefiting economically from the growth and vitality of the captive insurance industry.

Exploring the gut microbiome composition and diversity of leopard cats (Prionailurus bengalensis) in captive population: a case study in Zoo Melaka, Malaysia

Abstract Gut microbiomes are crucial in determining wildlife’s health, especially in the captive population. The alternation of environment can lead to microbiome changes that could affect the host’s health. Therefore, the information regarding gut microbiomes is important in conducting effective husbandry management for captive animals especially in zoos. Thus, we conducted the gut microbiome study on captive leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis) using Illumina Miniseq platform. The 16S rRNA gene sequencing was performed on two samples from both male and female leopard cats. The sequencing analysis successfully unveiled the diversity of gut microbiomes within this species, identifying members from 12 phyla, 74 families, and 127 genera of bacteria. Proteobacteria and Firmicutes emerged as the dominant phyla, constituting 49% in females and 34.7% in males, respectively. Intriguingly, no significant differences in alpha diverisity indices were observed between the sexes of P. bengalensis. These findings contribute substantially to our comprehension of the gut microbiome diversity in leopard cats in Malaysia. Generally, the findings of this study provide the fundamental data for the captive management and health assessment of P. bengalensis, acting as a valuable resource for future conservation efforts. By establishing a baseline understanding of the gut microbiomes in captivity, this research supports the broader goal of preserving the biological integrity of leopard cat populations especially in Malaysia.

Assessment of Gut Microbiome Variations in the Mother and Twin Infant of Captive White-handed Gibbons (Hylobates lar) Reveals the Presence of Beneficial and Pathogenic Bacteria

The white-handed gibbon (Hylobates lar) is one of the three Hylobatidae species found in the Peninsular Malaysia region. Studies on primate gut microbiota have yet to be conducted in Malaysian Hylobatidae, but previous studies have covered Cercopithecidae. Knowledge of the gut microbiota of endangered captive Malaysian Hylobatidae primates is important for health assessment and conservation management. Thus, the main objective of this study was to determine the gut microbiota profile of captive white-handed gibbons using the metabarcode 16S rRNA gene. Two H. lar fecal samples collected from the mother and twin infant at Zoo Melaka were used for DNA extraction. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) of the 16S rRNA gene was performed. The NGS data were analyzed on the basis of amplicon sequence variation. The gut microbiota of H. lar was dominated by Firmicutes and Bacteroidota because of their important roles in fermentation and nutrient assimilation from plant-based food sources. Predominance of Prevotella in the gut microbiota of H. lar indicates that the captivity condition causes the gut microbiota of gibbons to resemble that of humans. Treponema, a pathogenic bacterium, was also detected in the mother and twin infant. Variation in the bacterial community profile between the mother and the infant indicated differences in dietary adaptations and physiological state. This study provides an overview of gibbon health levels through gut microbiome screening and can be used when considering Malaysian primate health welfare and captive management.

Sonification of Genomic Data to Represent Genetic Load in Zoo Populations.

Maintaining a diverse gene pool is important in the captive management of zoo populations, especially in endangered species such as the pink pigeon (Nesoenas mayeri). However, due to the limited number of breeding individuals and relaxed natural selection, the loss of variation and accumulation of harmful variants is inevitable. Inbreeding results in a loss of fitness (i.e., inbreeding depression), principally because related parents are more likely to transmit a copy of the same recessive deleterious genetic variant to their offspring. Genomics-informed captive breeding can manage harmful variants by artificial selection, reducing the genetic load by avoiding the inheritance of two copies of the same harmful variant. To explain this concept in an interactive way to zoo visitors, we developed a sonification game to represent the fitness impacts of harmful variants by detuning notes in a familiar musical melody (i.e., Beethoven's Für Elise). Conceptually, zoo visitors play a game aiming to create the most optimal pink pigeon offspring in terms of inbreeding depression. They select virtual crosses between pink pigeon individuals and listen for the detuning of the melody, which represents the realised load of the resultant offspring. Here we present the sonification algorithm and the results of an online survey to see whether participants could identify the most and least optimal offspring from three potential pink pigeon offspring. Of our 98 respondents, 85 (86.7%) correctly identified the least optimal offspring, 73 (74.5%) correctly identified the most optimal, and 62 (63.3%) identified both the most and least optimal offspring using only the sonification.

A REVIEW OF NEOPLASIA IN PROSIMIANS IN HUMAN CARE FROM 1995 TO 2022.

This retrospective study of neoplasia in prosimians in human care reports histologically diagnosed cases from the archives of a nondomestic species pathology service between 1995 and 2022, primarily submitted from zoological institutions. To date, the only prior retrospective study of neoplasia in prosimians, published in 2009, was conducted with cases from a single institution specializing in prosimian noninvasive research and care. In the present study, a total of 153 neoplasms from 109 individuals were identified in the pathology service archives. The most commonly affected species belonged to the Lemuridae (92/109, 84.4%), particularly ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta; 55/109, 50.5%), black-and-white ruffed lemurs (Varecia variegata; 19/109, 17.4%), and red ruffed lemurs (Varecia rubra; 14/109, 12.8%). The digestive (49/153, 32.0%), reproductive (35/153, 22.9%), and integumentary (30/153, 19.6%) systems were most commonly affected. Hepatocellular neoplasia was the most common neoplasm overall (35/153, 22.9%), with a large proportion of hepatocellular carcinoma (23/35, 65.7%), suggesting a possible predisposition to this tumor in prosimians. The findings support aggressive behavior of these tumors in prosimians, and a majority (13/23, 56.5%) of cases had evidence of metastasis at the time of submission. Mammary neoplasia was also common (25/153, 16.3%) and predominantly malignant (18/25, 72.0%), in contrast with previous literature, although metastasis was uncommonly reported. The most common integumentary neoplasms were papillomas (12/30, 40.0%), and one report identified squamous cell carcinoma arising directly from a squamous papilloma. Several tumor types are reported herein for the first time in prosimian species, to the authors' knowledge. A literature review identifying additional cases reported since 2009 is also reported. This study contributes a large number of prosimian neoplasia cases to the existing literature to help determine trends in zoological collections and to inform captive prosimian health management.

Hibernating or not hibernating? Brown bears' response to a mismatch between environmental natural cues and captive management, and its welfare implications.

In wild brown bears, likely factors triggering hibernation response to harsh environmental conditions are temperature, photoperiod, and food resources availability. In fact, constantly fed captive brown bears are described as skipping hibernation being active all year-round. Is the hibernation response so flexible and subordinate to contingencies, or else is an adaptation that, if dismissed, may negatively impact on bear well-being? This study investigates the potential hibernation response in captive brown bears under unvaried management conditions using an integrative approach simultaneously analyzing multiple animal-based variables together with environmental covariates. Data from a mid-latitude zoo revealed distinct behavioral, fecal glucocorticoids, and body condition score seasonal fluctuations, resembling natural hibernation cycles, despite constant food access. Environmental variables like photoperiod and visitor numbers significantly influenced activity levels. Bears exhibited behaviors indicative of hyperphagia and fall transition, such as appetitive feeding and denning behaviors. Hormonal analyses revealed high fecal cortisol metabolites levels during hyperphagia, suggesting physiological responses to seasonal changes. Findings underscore the importance of environmental cues and food availability in shaping zoo bear behavior and physiology. Considering that the hibernating vs. non-hibernating description might represent an oversimplification, management strategies should deal with captive bear potential need to freely express their adaptive predispositions by accommodating their natural behaviors, such as providing denning spots and adjusting diet composition as soon as typical hyperphagic and predenning behaviors emerge, ultimately enhancing their well-being.

Animal Matter in Indigenous Place-Thought: A Case from the Moon Pyramid, Teotihuacan

This article interrogates an archaeological application of the Indigenous concept of place-thought, defined by Vanessa Watts as an “understanding of the world via a physical embodiment” through studying corporeal animal forms. This latter encompasses the osteological traces of animal matter (sacrificed animals and prepared body parts) that, because of their material vitalities, provide an opportune site of engagement to retrieve ancient interpersonal relationships. Over 100 corporeal animal forms from Burials 2 and 6 are interpreted as agentive persons who brought into being the Moon Pyramid as an altepetl (water mountain) of Teotihuacan. The altepetl is a seminal place-thought in Mesoamerica intimately tied with sovereignty. The author argues that potentate apex predators (eagles, wolves, jaguars, pumas, and rattlesnakes) became part of Teotihuaccan’s community through their captive management and were buried alive to sustain the altepetl as master guardians. A zooarchaeological and isotopic investigation of corporeal animal forms provided lurid details of human–predator interactions, including differential access to the animals, esoteric knowledge about their personhood, and even deceit of that information. She concludes that providing a contextually and historically contingent, data-driven, and inter-personally centered reconstruction of ancient place-thought, though admittedly partial and from a specific perspective, should be attainable given the enhanced methods in archaeology.

Optimizing Sambar Deer Breeding Management: A Case Study at the Bpsilhk Aek Nauli Breeding

The sambar deer, an endemic animal to Indonesia, is protected by Government Regulation Number 7 of 1999 and is listed as "Vulnerable," according to the IUCN, indicating its vulnerability to extinction. The main objective of this research is to analyze the current management of sambar deer breeding, identify supporting and inhibiting factors, and plan strategies to improve management by ideal standards. Data for this research was collected through literature study, observation and interviews. The sample of respondents was selected from actors or stakeholders who have the most significant role in the management of this deer breeding area, including the head of the service (1 person), head of the planning section (1 person), team member (2 people), and guard (1 person). The form of captive management was analyzed using a Likert scale, supporting and inhibiting factors were analyzed using descriptive analysis, and the form of management strategy was analyzed using SWOT analysis. The results obtained were that the sambar deer breeding management had a score of 3.90, or the management was quite good. Supporting factors for management are the breeding area, which is still sufficient to accommodate many deer, complete equipment and cage equipment in the cages, and healthy deer. Moreover, the inhibiting factors for management are the unavailability of veterinarians and the fact that data on recording sick sambar deer needs to be well documented, making it challenging to monitor health. Recommendations for the management strategy for sambar deer breeding at BPSILHK Aek Nauli is an alternative SO (Strength-Opportunity) strategy obtained, namely: Caring for the cages together with the community, utilizing the area of the cage to add deer, utilizing breeding locations located in tourist locations and caring for the deer so that always healthy.

Inconsistent reproductive cycles and postnatal growth between captive and wild Chinese pangolins and its conservation implications

Captive breeding and reintroduction are crucial to the conservation of endangered species and restoring their populations in the wild. Previous research has primarily focused on behavioral changes and adaptations in captive-bred animals prior to release; few studies have examined changes in reproductive traits and postnatal development in captivity. The Chinese pangolin, Manis pentadactyla, is Critically Endangered because its population has substantially declined in the wild due to poaching for sale in the traditional medicine and luxury food markets. Nevertheless, success in captive breeding in Taiwan may provide a pathway to the recovery of wild populations. This study combined records on captive individuals and field observations on wild Chinese pangolins over a period from 1997 to 2023 to determine (i) mating season, (ii) birth timing, (iii) body mass and total length of newborns, and (iv) postnatal growth patterns prior to weaning. The present study suggests that mating and birth timings for captive Chinese pangolins are not seasonal, as they are in the wild. Captive-born infants are significantly longer and heavier at birth than wild-born infants. Remarkably, captive-born pangolins also experience more rapid weight gain, nearly doubling in size compared with their wild counterparts by 25 weeks of age, even before they are weaned. This rapid growth is likely attributable to the high nutritional content of captive diets. This study suggests artificial feed formulas should be aligned more closely with wild pangolins’ diets to reduce the risk of obesity. Additionally, reproductive parameters and postnatal growth rates in Chinese pangolins cannot be based on observations of captive individuals alone; wild populations must also be considered. We conclude that Chinese pangolins exhibit physiological flexibility in reproduction and growth in response to environmental changes, providing insights for captive pangolin management and reintroduction programs.

COVID-19 in a common woolly monkey (Lagothrix lagothricha): First evidence of fatal outcome in a nonhuman primate after natural SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization in March 2020. Since then, viral spread from humans to animals has occurred worldwide. Nonhuman primates (NHPs) have been found to be susceptible to reverse-zoonosis transmission of SARS-CoV-2, but initial research suggested that platyrrhine primates are less susceptible than catarrhine primates. Here we report the natural SARS-CoV-2 infection of a common woolly monkey (Lagothrix lagothricha) from a wildlife rehabilitation center in Ecuador. The course of the disease, the eventual death of the specimen, and the pathological findings are described. Our results show the susceptibility of a new platyrrhine species to SARS-CoV-2 and provide evidence for the first time of a COVID-19-associated death in a naturally infected NHP. The putative route of transmission from humans, and implications for captive NHPs management, are also discussed. Given that common woolly monkeys are at risk of extinction in Ecuador, further understanding of the potential threat of SARS-CoV-2 to their health should be a conservation priority. A One Health approach is the best way to protect NHPs from a new virus in the same way that we would protect the human population.

Crocodilian Phallic Malformations and Anomalies

Abstract Phallic malformations directly impact crocodilian copulatory function and thus could impact reproductive success in individual animals. This case series characterizes malformations observed and the implied reproductive consequences. We assessed a range of phallic malformations observed in saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus), Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus), broad-snouted caiman (Caiman latirostris), and Cuban crocodile (Crocodylus rhombifer) during veterinary examinations or postmortem studies and characterized observation into the following categories: amputation, phallic glans malformations, sulcus spermaticus obstruction, and prolapse. Through detailed descriptions of these anomalies, we discuss potential reproductive health impact based on current knowledge across crocodilian species. When considering captive management of breeding stock, it is vital to examine individual efficacy at achieving proper intromission and insemination. Therefore, full reproductive examination in males should be part of routine examination to best manage individuals with such anomalies.

Peaceful Coexistence in Compassionate Conservation: A Policy Discourse Analysis

The principle of 'peaceful coexistence' in compassionate conservation emphasizes the need to assess and transform conservation practices to resolve conflicts between humans and animals. Zoos and aquariums, intended to foster connections between people and nature, serve as sites of daily interaction among various stakeholders, such as zookeepers, veterinarians, and ethologists. This research aims to examine how South Korea's Aquarium and Zoo Management Act, along with animal welfare, animal rights, and conservation discourse coalitions, critically evaluate and influence the management of captive animals to promote harmonious human-animal coexistence. Using a policy discourse analysis approach, the study investigates how these discourse coalitions frame policy issues and solutions in South Korean zoo management. By analysing semi-structured interviews, media content, and policy documents, this research identifies the need to emphasize a positive welfare state, leverage the influence of animal welfare discourse coalitions, and build networks and regulations that enforce welfare standards for captive animal management, ultimately realizing the principle of peaceful coexistence.

Description of a Novel Procedure to Aid in Emergence of Larval La Palma Glass Frogs (Hyalinobatrachium valerioi) to Improve Survival Rate with Implications for Captive Management and Conservation

New, more efficient ways to accomplish objectives are key to improving the ability of zoological and conservation organizations to protect the animals they study and care for. Here, we describe an ovocesarean procedure, a novel task to assist the hatching of larval anurans in cases when allowing for hatching to occur naturally presents a risk to the survival of the progeny. This study focuses on two clutches of La Palma Glass Frogs (Hyalinobatrachium valerioi) where the eggs were not laid over a water body for the tadpoles to drop into upon emergence from the egg. A simple, three-step procedure that can be performed in just a few minutes resulted in a 95% success rate in emergence and led to increased survivability in the tadpoles that were assisted. Procedures that assist hatching of embryos and neonates are discussed in many circles of animal care but have not been described in detail to provide assistance to those that are not in a situation where they can learn it from a professional. This description of the ovocesarean procedure assigns a definitive, technical term to assisted hatching and can easily be extrapolated to other oviparous animals. Although the focal species here is of a Least Concern conservation status, this procedure can be key in improving reproductive success in other, more threatened species of anurans.

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is a Useful and Low-Cost Tool for Molecular Sexing Psittaciformes under Human Care: An Example of a Collaborative Approach in Mexico

ABSTRACT Sex determination in monomorphic birds is a precondition for captive breeding programs and management and conservation strategies for threatened species. Most species of the order Psittaciformes often present complications since these birds lack external sexual phenotypic traits, making it impossible to differentiate males and females. In the present study, we used molecular techniques to determine the sex of 31 individuals belonging to nine species of the order Psittaciformes kept under human care at the Akumal Monkey Sanctuary & Rescued Animals in Quintana Roo, Mexico. This is a useful and low-cost methodology based on the analysis of the conserved region of the CHD1 gene, which was amplified by PCR with two sets of primers: P8/P2 and 2550F/2718 R. All individuals were successfully sexed with the first set of primers, while only 28 out of 31 samples (90%) could be amplified with the second set. Out of the 31 individuals analyzed, fifteen are female, and seventeen are male. This information represents a handy tool for adequately managing birds under human care, resulting in their reproduction and eventual reintegration into their natural habitat.

Insights for the Captive Management of South China Tigers Based on a Large-Scale Genetic Survey.

There is an urgent need to find a way to improve the genetic diversity of captive South China tiger (SCT, Panthera tigris amoyensis), the most critically endangered taxon of living tigers, facing inbreeding depression. The genomes showed that 13 hybrid SCTs from Meihuashan were divided into two groups; one group included three individuals who had a closer relationship with pureblood SCTs than another group. The three individuals shared more that 40% of their genome with pureblood SCTs and might be potential individuals for genetic rescuing in SCTs. A large-scale genetic survey based on 319 pureblood SCTs showed that the mean microsatellite inbreeding coefficient of pureblood SCTs decreased significantly from 0.1789 to 0.0600 (p = 0.000009) and the ratio of heterozygous loci increased significantly from 38.5% to 43.2% (p = 0.02) after one individual of the Chongqing line joined the Suzhou line and began to breed in the mid-1980s, which is a reason why the current SCTs keep a moderate level of microsatellite heterozygosity and nucleotide diversity. However, it is important to establish a back-up population based on the three individuals through introducing one pureblood SCT into the back-up population every year. The back-up population should be an important reserve in case the pureblood SCTs are in danger in the future.

A synthesis of wild animal-related trade laws in some of the world's most biodiverse countries

We examined the laws and legal provisions governing the commercial trade of terrestrial wild fauna across the trade chain in some of the world's megadiverse countries and how these relate to key animal welfare and conservation concerns. Over the past century, an increase in the quantity and complexity of laws related to commercial wildlife trade has been observed in the 11 focal countries examined. Our review identified 95 laws with 560 provisions adopted since 1910 across these countries. Surprisingly, the level of biological diversity in a country does not correlate with the extent of legislation addressing wildlife trade. Moreover, legislation is unevenly distributed across different stages of the wildlife trade chain, with more provisions on extraction and transportation compared to captive management. Notably, animal welfare considerations are relatively underrepresented in legislation related to wildlife trade, despite their broad implications for public health and economies. Urgent legislative action is needed to meet global biodiversity targets and respond to the challenges posed by the growing scale and complexity of the wildlife trade. Recommendations are made to streamline legislation, consider the legal status of wild animals, and address gaps in enforcement mechanisms. We conclude that alignment of national and international regulations is crucial for the effective protection of both wild animal populations and individual animals' welfare in the context of commercial trade. Further research is needed to assess the effectiveness of existing laws, bridge legal gaps, and address diverse concerns related to wildlife trade, including public health and the rights of local communities.

Evaluation of the Impact of Population Management on the Genetic Parameters of Selected Spiral-Horned Antelopes.

The rapid loss of biodiversity and the associated reduction and fragmentation of habitats means that ex situ populations have become an important part of species conservation. These populations, which are often established from a small number of founders, require careful management to avoid the negative effects of genetic drift and inbreeding. Although the inclusion of molecular data is recommended, their availability for captive breeding management remains limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the levels of genetic diversity in six spiral-horned antelope taxa bred under human care and their respective management strategies, conservation status, demography, and geographic origin, using 10 nuclear DNA microsatellite loci and mitochondrial control region DNA sequences. Our findings include associations between genetic diversity and management intensity but also with the diversity and contribution of wild populations to captive founders, with some populations apparently composed of animals from divergent wild lineages elevating captive genetic diversity. When population sizes are large, the potential advantages of maximizing genetic diversity in widely outcrossed populations may need careful consideration with respect to the potential disruption of adaptive diversity. Genetic data serve as a robust tool for managing captive populations, yet their interpretation necessitates a comprehensive understanding of species biology and history.

Factors Associated with Reproductive Success in Captive Vancouver Island Marmots (Marmota vancouverensis)

The Vancouver Island marmot (Marmota vancouverensis) is Canada’s most endangered endemic mammal. In 1997, a conservation breeding-for-release program was established to supplement wild marmot populations. Retrospective analyses of captive breeding studbook records since 2000 indicate the age of the sire and the dam significantly impacted the odds of successfully weaning a litter. Dams and sires between 5 and 7 years of age had more than double the odds of reproductive success compared to older animals. Successful reproduction by the dam in the previous year also doubled the odds of successfully weaning a litter in subsequent years. Assessment of adrenal function via fecal glucocorticoid analyses indicated established breeding pairs had decreased stress compared to new pairs (5.74 ± 0.28 ng/g vs. 7.60 ± 0.34 ng/g; p < 0.0001). Pairs that were ultimately successful at weaning pups in a breeding season had decreased stress compared to unsuccessful pairs (6.05 ± 0.34 ng/g vs. 7.22 ± 0.28 ng/g; p = 0.0006). These endocrine results suggest social buffering via familiarity and breeding/pair bond formation may be decreasing stress in established and successful pairs, respectively. The results of this study will be used to assist in the captive breeding management of this species to optimise numbers of animals produced to supplement the wild populations.