<
https://theconversation.com/orange-bellied-parrot-shows-theres-more-to-saving-endangered-species-than-captive-breeding-201226>
"Captive breeding of threatened species for release into the wild is an
important conservation tool. But where threats to wild populations remain
unresolved, this tool may not guarantee population recovery in the long term.
Our new research on one of the most endangered birds in the world shows we need
to tackle underlying threats to survival if we are to save species from
extinction in the wild.
Captive breeding and release is sustaining the population of orange-bellied
parrots, holding extinction at bay. But most of the young born into the
population each year die during their migration and winter.
Our modelling shows that if captive breeding and release stopped tomorrow,
orange-bellied parrots would soon become extinct. The natural birth rate is too
low to compensate for the high death rates of juveniles. So we’re locked into
releasing captive-bred parrots until we can solve the underlying problems
afflicting the wild population. Unfortunately, it’s not clear exactly what
those problems are."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
