Propagation plans

Abstract

Abstract Optimal plans to manage captive populations for propagation depend upon the goals of the program. Two basic goals have been proposed. The first and more frequent is preservation of genetic diversity in captivity for return to natural environments. The second is adapting a wild population to propagation in the captive environment. Each goal prescribes a general strategy for demographic and genetic management: a plan for return to natural environments and a plan for adaptation to the captive environment. These plans can be considered ends of a spectrum of possible management programs. Similarities and differences in the two plans are discussed. Practical contraints limit the implementation of the basic management plans.