Titre |
Relevance of studbook data to the successful captive management of grey mouse lemurs |
Descripteur matière |
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Titre de la série |
International Journal of Primatology |
Résumé |
This paper illustrates the importance of a well-managed studbook to the long-term captive management of an exotic species: Microcebus murinus. Analysis of the studbook provides an insight into the genetic diversity and demographic stability of the registered population. It also yields invaluable data on patterns of fertility and mortality occurring under the prevalent management conditions. This information is equally relevant to research and to captive management. I established a European studbook for the grey mouse lemur in 1994. It contains data on individuals in zoos and research establishments. Analyses of the data do not bode well for future of the European mouse lemur population. Although the number of individuals would seem to be sufficient to form a sound basis for future management, the population has inadequate genetic variability. Furthermore, inbreeding also seems to have had a negative impact on the reproductive output of the population. Thus, immediate action needs to be taken if a viable mouse lemur population is to be maintained in Europe. |