Evolution in Zoos and Conservation Breeding Programs

What is evolution?

Evolution by natural selection is the process which causes adaptive genetic change in populations. It starts with genetic variations—small changes in the genes of animals that create differences in traits, like fur color or beak shape. Some of these trait differences are more beneficial for survival in a given environment. For example, a bird with a beak shape that makes it easier to find food will be more likely to survive and reproduce. As animals adapt to their specific environments, they develop new traits that help them thrive and then their offspring will inherit these traits. Over many generations, these advantageous traits become more common in the population. Along with natural selection, other factors like random genetic changes and the mixing of genes between populations also play a role in evolution.

Studying Genetic Adaptation in Zoos and Conservation Breeding Programs

Conservation breeding plays a crucial role in preventing the loss of animal species, but it’s essential to make these programs as effective as possible. One challenge is that animals bred in captivity may adapt to their environment in ways that make it difficult for them to survive when reintroduced into the wild. This issue remains largely untested.

Using a large dataset from Species360 ZIMS, Dr. Drew Sauve from African Lion Safari’s research team is examining genetic changes in 31 different vertebrate species. The findings indicate that many populations in these programs have undergone genetic changes, similar to what we see in wild populations. While these changes can improve survival under human care, they might also affect how well these animals do when returned to their natural habitats.

Results from the study underscore the impact of human-managed environments on the evolution of species and highlight the need for more research. This will help ensure that ex situ populations are well-prepared for successful reintroduction and can effectively contribute to conservation efforts.

Why are we researching evolution in zoos and conservation breeding programs?

As evolution is likely occurring in zoos and conservation breeding programs, it is important to determine why some populations are showing signs of adaptive genetic change. By conducting this research, it can be used as a tool for institutions and researchers to see if their ex-situ populations are showing signs of adaptive genetic change. If we see that adaptive genetic change is occurring in an ex-situ population we will need to conduct further research to determine what traits are changing and whether these changes will impact reintroduction. It is our hope that this research will continue to contribute to the effectiveness of our conservation programs.

African Lion Safari participates in the Species360 Conservation Science Alliance Research Symposium

On August 14, 2024, Dr. Sauve participated in the virtual Species360 Conservation Science Alliance Research Symposium. This event brought together leading scientists and researchers from around the globe to share their groundbreaking research using data from the Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS). Dr. Drew Sauve spoke about the current findings regarding contemporary genetic adaptation in zoos and conservation breeding programs. Watch the recording of the symposium here.

Be sure to stay tuned for updates as Dr. Sauve and colleagues submit this research for peer review and publication in a scientific journal!