Study

A world survey of penguins in captivity

Summary

Use captive breeding to increase or maintain populations of seabirds

A global study in 1974 (Gailey-Phipps 1978) reported successful breeding of captive penguins in the majority of institutions that responded to a questionnaire. Of 53 surveyed institutions in North America, Europe, Australia and Japan, 40 (75%) reported that captive penguins laid eggs, 35 (66%) reported successful hatchings, and 27 (51%) reported fledging of young. The study notes that institutions outside North America were selected based on published breeding records (introducing a bias to the data), but results were similar when only the 22 North American institutions were considered (laying: 68%; hatching: 54%; fledging: 50%). All institutions keeping at least 10 individuals of a species reported breeding. Across all institutions, 11 species of penguins had been successfully kept in captivity. Some individuals survived >20 years. This study includes many of the institutions mentioned in other summary paragraphs, although not necessarily over the same time period.

Output references
What Works 2021 cover

What Works in Conservation

What Works in Conservation provides expert assessments of the effectiveness of actions, based on summarised evidence, in synopses. Subjects covered so far include amphibians, birds, mammals, forests, peatland and control of freshwater invasive species. More are in progress.

More about What Works in Conservation

Download free PDF or purchase
The Conservation Evidence Journal

The Conservation Evidence Journal

An online, free to publish in, open-access journal publishing results from research and projects that test the effectiveness of conservation actions.

Read the latest volume: Volume 22

Go to the CE Journal

Discover more on our blog

Our blog contains the latest news and updates from the Conservation Evidence team, the Conservation Evidence Journal, and our global partners in evidence-based conservation.


Who uses Conservation Evidence?

Meet some of the Evidence Champions

Endangered Landscape ProgrammeRed List Champion - Arc Kent Wildlife Trust The Rufford Foundation Mauritian Wildlife Supporting Conservation Leaders
Sustainability Dashboard National Biodiversity Network Frog Life The international journey of Conservation - Oryx Cool Farm Alliance UNEP AWFA Bat Conservation InternationalPeople trust for endangered species Vincet Wildlife Trust