Practice question

Captive breeding programmes systematically breed threatened species in controlled environments such as zoos, breeding centers, hatcheries to increase population, maintain genetic heterozygosity, and minimize inbreeding through pedigree management and studbooks. Offspring undergo acclimatization, behavioral enrichment, health screening before reintroduction into restored habitats after threat mitigation. Indian examples include gharial breeding at Chambal, pygmy hog at Basistha Assam, snow leopard at Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Park. Goal is preventing imminent extinction and ultimate reinforcement of wild populations. Field identification relies on this character, making it essential for wildlife surveys and protected area management protocols.