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The continuing decline of Brown bears Ursus arctos in the wild and the recent discovery of genetic divergence among some wild populations has highlighted the need for a co‐ordinated captive‐breeding programme. This paper discusses some of the effects of extensive inbreeding of Brown bears in Nordic Zoos and examines the degree of genetic variability retained in the present population after a long period of genetically unmanaged breeding. The extent to which the geographic origin of the contributing founders is known is also examined and recommendations are made for future breeding management.

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