Monotreme and Marsupial Breeding Programs in Australian Zoos

Abstract

Cooperative breeding programs for selected species in Australian zoos have developed rather rapidly in response to growing concerns for the status of wildlife world-wide. The need to enlarge captive populations and to manage them for genetic and demographic stability led in 1983 to the establishment of a regional Species Management Scheme among the major publicly funded zoos of Australia and New Zealand. Several Australian marsupials are being successfully managed under this scheme, and management plans for others are being developed. Managed species are designated on the basis of their restricted availability to zoos, and the desirability of having a self-sustaining captive population for conservation purposes. Captive breeding histories of most Australian and some New Guinea monotremes and marsupials are reviewed, and details of zoo breeding programs discussed for managed species.