Fångenskapsbevarande

Fångenskapsbevarande, also known as captive breeding, is a conservation strategy aimed at protecting endangered species. It involves breeding animals in controlled environments such as zoos, wildlife reserves, or specialized breeding centers. The primary goal is to increase the population size of a species that is at risk of extinction in the wild. This can be due to habitat loss, poaching, disease, or other environmental factors.

The process typically begins with a small number of individuals, often rescued from the wild. These animals are then carefully managed to ensure successful reproduction. This may involve creating suitable habitats within enclosures, providing specialized diets, and implementing veterinary care. Genetic diversity is a crucial aspect of captive breeding programs, and efforts are made to breed individuals that are not closely related to prevent inbreeding depression and maintain a healthy gene pool. Studbooks are often maintained to track the lineage and genetic makeup of individual animals.

Once populations reach a viable size, the ultimate aim of many captive breeding programs is reintroduction into the wild. This requires careful planning and preparation, including ensuring that the wild habitat is suitable and safe for the reintroduced animals. Educational programs and public awareness campaigns often accompany captive breeding efforts to garner support and address the underlying causes of species endangerment. While captive breeding can be an effective tool, it is often considered a last resort and is ideally integrated with broader conservation strategies that address habitat protection and the reduction of threats in the wild.