Study

Ex situ conservation genetics: a review of molecular studies on the genetic consequences of captive breeding programmes for endangered animal species

  • Published source details Witzenberger K.A. & Hochkirch A. (2011) Ex situ conservation genetics: a review of molecular studies on the genetic consequences of captive breeding programmes for endangered animal species. Biodiversity and Conservation, 20, 1843-1861.

Actions

This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

Action Category

Breed reptiles in captivity: Crocodilians

Action Link
Reptile Conservation

Breed reptiles in captivity: Snakes – Boas and pythons

Action Link
Reptile Conservation
  1. Breed reptiles in captivity: Crocodilians

    A review of studies investigating the genetics of captive breeding programmes (Witzenberger & Hochkirch 2011) found that captive breeding reptiles had mixed genetic outcomes in comparison to wild populations. Nine percent of 131 studies related to reptiles. One study on American alligators Alligator mississippiensis found that captive breeding had a positive effect on two measures of genetic diversity (measured as expected heterozygosity and number of alleles), but a negative effect on the chance of inbreeding compared to wild populations.  Two databases (Web of Science and Zoological Record) were searched for studies investigated the genetics of captive populations up until 2010.

    (Summarised by: Katie Sainsbury)

  2. Breed reptiles in captivity: Snakes – Boas and pythons

    A review of studies investigating the genetics of captive breeding programmes (Witzenberger & Hochkirch 2011) found that captive breeding reptiles had mixed genetic outcomes in comparison to wild populations. One study found that captive breeding Jamaica boas Epicrates subflavus had a negative effect on genetic diversity (measured as expected heterozygosity and number of alleles) compared to wild populations. Two databases (Web of Science and Zoological Record) were searched for studies investigated the genetics of captive populations up until 2010.

    (Summarised by: Katie Sainsbury)

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