Aquaculture for Recovery of Amphibian and Reptile Species At Risk

Zoos have traditionally kept assurance populations of species at risk as a hedge against extinction. As small population managers, genetic management of populations requires a rapid expansion of founder animals to preserve gene diversity. Aquaculture techniques provide opportunities to maximize space for species at risk and manage water quality and food sources beyond the capacity of many captive breeding facilities. This presentation will outline a diversity of species that have benefitted from aquaculture capacity and suggest options for cooperative management of at risk amphibians and reptiles.