Study highlights success of
changing diet for reproduction in endangered species
Date: October 26, 2017
Source: San Diego Zoo Global
A recently published study in the
journal Pachyderm highlights the ongoing effort of accredited zoos to
address challenges and improve the sustainability of endangered species
populations in their care. The study, co-authored by scientists from San Diego
Zoo Global and Mars Hill University, evaluated fertility issues in captive-born
southern white rhinos and determined that diets including soy and alfalfa were
likely contributors to breeding challenges.
"The captive southern white
rhinoceros (SWR) population is not currently self-sustaining, due to the
reproductive failure of captive-born females," said Christopher Tubbs Ph.D,
San Diego Zoo Global and lead author of the paper. "Our research into this
phenomenon points to chemicals produced by plants present in captive diets,
such as soy and alfalfa, as likely causes."
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