Related Sites Animal Welfare Institute Canadian Wildlife Service Endangered Species Web Site The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species Environment Canada Species at Risk Web Site Endangered Species on EE Link International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Space for Species Program of the Canadian Space Agency UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre World Wildlife Federation Endangered Species Information American Zoo and Aquarium Association Captive-Breeding and Reintroduction Good Zoo Guide On-line End of the Ark?

Captive Breeding and Reintroduction to Save Endangered Species by Dr. Ihave Nophd University of Erehwon As a consequence of the shrinking of wilderness habitat and climate change, many species of wild animals around the world are struggling to survive. Some are on the verge of extinction. What can be done to save these endangered species? We, as humans, can make efforts to live in a way that minimizes our infringement on wilderness areas. We can also try to reduce the levels of consumption of all kinds that contribute to climate change. These efforts can be effective in the long term but we cannot be certain that all endangered species can survive that long. What action can be taken in the near term to preserve species that are on the brink of extinction? Zoos can provide a valuable service to global conservation efforts by providing a refuge for endangered species where they can breed so that their offspring can be reintroduced to the wild. Seasickness can be a real hazard for animals bred in captivity and then shipped across an ocean to be reintroduced into their natural habitat. This work is not without its challenges. Often it is difficult and expensive to get appropriate lighting to set the proper romantic atmosphere to encourage animals to mate. Many species do not respond well to the latest techniques such as speed dating that allow animals to meet as many possible mates as possible in a short period of time. If captive breeding programs are successful, it can be difficult to reintroduce the offspring to the wild. Often they are frightened of air travel and do not behave appropriately when they travel unaccompanied by bus.