Captive-breeding and conservation of the European mammal diversity

摘要: Under the biological species concept, intraspecific variability and true richness of Palearctic mammals has often been overlooked, therefore need to conserve it. Recovery projects endangered European in Western Europe rely mainly upon translocation conspecifics from viable populations Central or Eastern Europe. From a wildlife management restoration ecology point view, many such recovery have successful. However, biodiversity perspective it could be argued that they failed protect original biodiversity. The increasing evidence complex phylogeographic pattern - especially Mediterranean region led reconsideration conservation unit highlights for species-specific programmes assuring survival threa- tened, distinctive populations. Such programs should also include captive breeding. It is the- refore suggested two-level classification breeding needed according degree threat concerned taxa, maximise available resources without jeopardising situ conservation. proposed distinguish between a) level I programmes, which are part strategy seriously threatened taxa financed by state federal agencies, b) "prophylactic" II vulnerable populations, funds may pri- vate sector. Available suggests given adequate husbandry techniques pre- release training, even captive-bred carnivores can successfully reintroduced wild. closer collaboration among zoological gardens, zoologists agencies invol- ved avoid ill-conceived, potentially dangerous captive- re-introduction projects.