Reproductive inefficiency in male black-footed ferrets (Mustela nigripes)

Wolf, K. N.; Wildt, David E.; Vargas, Astrid; Marinari, Paul E.; Ottinger, Mary Ann; Howard, Jeremy

doi:10.1002/1098-2361(2000)19:6<517::aid-zoo4>3.0.co;2-v

Cited by 42 publications

(21 citation statements)

References 17 publications

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“…The males with a record of aggressive behavior were also more likely to behave passively in non‐aggressive trials and vice versa. Similar to our findings, mating failures have also been identified as the cause of captive breeding problems in black‐footed ferrets [Wolf et al, ]. Indeed, in the case of black‐footed ferrets, the mating failure is, in addition to physiological disorders, also attributable to abnormal behavior.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 90%

“…Captive breeding programs are often plagued by a mortality rate that is too high or irregular breeding [Wolf et al, ; Dalerum et al, ; Hawkins and Battaglia, ; Peng et al, ], supposedly resulting from insufficient knowledge of species‐specific behavioral and physiological requirements, or insufficient attention to such requirements [Zeoli et al, ]. Several studies have reported that abnormal mating behavior such as aggressive/passive behavior toward potential mating partner is to be blamed for poor breeding success [Wolf et al, ; Zhang et al, ; MacKinnon et al, ]. Such abnormal behavior has been reported to be caused by too small and/or too homogeneous furnishing of the enclosure, presence of natural enemies or humans, or social stress caused by the physical presence of too many conspecifics [Price, ; Peng et al, ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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The causes of the low breeding success of european mink (Mustela lutreola) in captivity

Kiik

Maran

Nagl

et al. 2013

ZOO

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High among-individual variation in mating success often causes problems in conservation breeding programs. This is also the case for critically endangered European mink and may jeopardize the long-term maintenance of the species' genetic diversity under the European mink EEP Program. In this study, breeding success of wild and captive born European minks at Tallinn Zoological Garden are compared, and the mating behavior of the males is analyzed. Results show that wild born males successfully mate significantly more often than captive born males (89% and 35%, respectively). On the basis of an extensive record of mating attempts, both male aggressiveness and passivity are identified as primary causes of the observed mating failures. All other potential determinants have only a minor role. Mating success as well as a male's aggressiveness and passivity are shown to depend more strongly on the male than the female partner. We did not find any evidence that the behavior of an individual is dependent on the identity of its partner. We suggest that aggressiveness and passivity are two expressions of abnormal behavior brought about by growing up in captivity: the same individuals are likely to display both aggressive and passive behavior. The results point to the need to study and modify maintenance conditions and management procedures of mink to reduce the negative impact of the captive environment on the long-term goals of the program.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 90%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The causes of the low breeding success of european mink (Mustela lutreola) in captivity

Kiik

Maran

Nagl

et al. 2013

ZOO

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“…Heath, McKay et al (2001) reported that captive-breeding Newfoundland martens Martes americana atrata might change their scent-marking behaviour. More than one-fifth of black-footed ferret Mustela nigripes males failed to breed in captivity (Wolf et al, 2000) and only 65% of the observed matings of weasels led to visible pregnancy (Sundell, 2003b). Artificial selection might lead to the development of skills that are not advantagous in natural environments (Ballou, 1997).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Survival and behaviour of captive‐born weasels (Mustela nivalis nivalis) released in nature

Hellstedt

Kallio

2005

Journal of Zoology

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The behaviour and survival of captive-born least weasels Mustela nivalis nivalis released in nature were reported in this study. Altogether 27 captive-born and six wild-caught weasels were equipped with radio transmitters and their survival was studied as a function of age and season. The daily mortality rate was generally higher in captive-born than in wild-caught weasels. The survival of captive-born weasels was highest if they were released during the summer and hence when they were young. Differences in the behavioural patterns of captive-born and wild-caught weasels were apparent. Captive-born weasels were often more visible in the field and were less timid than wildcaught weasels. Results suggest that to be successful, restocking of weasels should be done with young animals, which are preferably released during the season with abundant food resources.

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“…Thus, it was realized that (1) many males were not breeding naturally and (2) a valuable founder descendant was under-represented. A more detailed assessment of the first challenge revealed a high incidence of sexual incompatibility between designated mates, largely due to improper copulatory positioning, inter-animal aggression and poor testis development [110,111]. These findings collectively justified the need to begin applying AI within the blackfooted ferret breeding program.…”

Section: Enhanced Reproduction Using Ai In Blackfooted Ferretsmentioning

confidence: 96%