Captive breeding of endangered animals helps to keep species alive and help them thrive.
Breeding endangered animals for zoos or rehabilitation into the wild helps ensure their survival in the future. Breeding wild and/or exotic animals is not for the faint of heart. There is a lot to do before you bring home the first furry, slimy or feathered creature. Carefully plan your operation before undertaking the solemn responsibility of owning and breeding exotic and endangered animals to ensure your success.
Instructions
1. Check to see if your state has regulations regarding the ownership, breeding or sales of endangered animals. BornFreeUSA has a list of state requirements for wild or exotic animals. There are also federal licenses required and a USDA license needed for the sale of any captive-bred wildlife. To obtain licenses, your facility must pass inspections and you must have the qualifications that give you a reasonable knowledge of the species you wish to raise.
2. Study the natural habitat of your chosen animal and do your best to replicate it. A leopard will need much larger accommodations than a bird of paradise, and each has very specific needs for water sources, climbing areas, nesting areas, foraging products and shelters. Some animals like dwarf cuttlefish can be raised indoors but require extensive aquatic setups that need careful regulation.
3. Secure a reliable source for feed items necessary for the specific animals you will keep. Be thoroughly familiar with the nutritional needs of the animals you want to raise. Some endangered wildlife have unusual food needs, and they are not likely to be sold at the local supermarket. However, some, like leopards, will do fine on a diet of raw meats available from your local meat counter. It will cost you, though, so have the money you will need set aside in advance.
4. Plan for your future. Write out a business plan the way any business does to ensure you can afford the continued success of your program. Also, write a plan that maps out the direction you want your breeding program to go, and what you hope to accomplish with it.
5. Develop your own studbook if your particular chosen animal does not have a national or public registry. Keep accurate records of the breeding pairs, the resulting offspring, and where animals go if they are sold. Individual animal records should include health records, color, date of birth, parents, as well as temperament, personality and disposition notes.
Tags: endangered animals, chosen animal, exotic animals, wild exotic, wild exotic animals