Comparing free-ranging and captive populations reveals intra-specific variation in aging rates in large herbivores

摘要: Although evidence that survival decreases with age in animal species is compelling, the existence of variation aging rates across different populations a given still questioned. Here, we compared 22 pairs ruminant living captive and free-ranging conditions. Based on recent suggestion feeding niche key factor influencing captivity, also investigated whether species' natural diet influences ruminants relative to their wild conspecifics. We found rate was higher under conditions than which provides first consistent within species. Additionally, our study clearly demonstrates differences between increased as were more specialized grass diets.