Phenotype management: An inclusive framework for supporting individuals' contributions to conservation populations

Abstract

There are generally two types of animal populations managed for conservation purposes, in situ and ex situ. The management goals for each type of population differ and this drives the manner by which the populations experience selection. Population members of different behavioral types may respond to the same stimuli in varying ways, generating potentially supportive effects for achieving conservation goals. The cumulative impact of observable phenotypic or behavioral variation predicts the potential of meeting population goals. Phenotype management is a conservation strategy that employs understanding of the varied outcomes for individuals in developing the potential for successful conservation populations. To employ phenotype management, it is useful to consider the environmental factors that drive the expression of varied behavioral types and life history trajectories. Diversity of habitat and developmental circumstance may be crucial to generating phenotypically diverse populations. Ex situ populations may be spread across numerous locations as meta-populations and members of these populations may experience a diversity of husbandry protocols, social groupings, and climates-resulting in population level behavioral diversity. A focus on habitat heterogeneity and in situ habitat restoration may support phenotypic diversity in populations of concern.