Animals bred in captivity develop physical changes that may hinder survival in the wild, research finds
Captive-breeding programs lead to shorter wing spans in birds and behavioural changes that leave animals more vulnerable to predators, global study finds
Animals bred in captivity experience significant physical and behavioural changes that may disadvantage their survival chances once released into the wild, a wide-ranging research review has found.
Analysis from the Australian National University shows captive environments drastically alter selection pressures on animals", with documented differences in many species.
The critically endangered orange-bellied parrot, whose wing shape has changed in captivity.
Male regent honeyeaters - also critically endangered - whose songs are shorter and less complex when captive-bred, making them less attractive to mates when released.
Northern quolls - endangered - that lost their aversion to predators within 13 generations (roughly 13 years) of being introduced to a predator-free offshore island.
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