Development of husbandry practices for the captive breeding of key largo woodrats (Neotoma floridana smalli)
Publication Type: |
Journal Article |
Year of Publication: |
2011 |
Authors: |
Christina A. Alligood, Andre J. Daneault, Robert C. Carlson, Thomas Dillenbeck, Catharine J. Wheaton, Anne Savage |
Publication/Journal: |
Zoo Biology |
Publisher: |
A Wiley Company, Inc., Wiley Subscription Services |
Keywords: |
captive breeding, endangered species, management, rodent |
ISBN: |
1098-2361 |
Abstract:
The Key Largo woodrat is an endangered rodent endemic to the island of Key Largo in the Florida Keys. After several reports documented a steep decline in the population, the US Fish and Wildlife Service developed a recovery plan, including captive breeding and reintroduction. Captive breeding efforts were to be focused on providing animals for future reintroduction to protected areas on Key Largo. However, little was known about the husbandry needs or reproductive behavior of this elusive nocturnal species. In 2005, Disney’s Animal Kingdom® received 11 animals and began to systematically investigate methods of breeding Key Largo woodrats. Since the program’s inception, 30 pups have been born and successfully parent reared. In this report, we describe some of the husbandry techniques that have contributed to the success of the Key Largo woodrat captive breeding program at Disney’s Animal Kingdom®. The results obtained may be of use to other facilities maintaining woodrats and other rodent species.