Genetic diversity contributes to the existence of populations in the long term. The most important strategy for the conservation of genetic diversity in a population is to minimize genetic relationships. In the wild this cannot be controlled for species that are threatened to extinction. In a regulated environment though, like in captivity in zoos, well defined breeding programmes could and should be able to maintain genetic diversity.
Therefore knowledge on progenitors of zoo populations and their mutual kinships is of utmost importance. Methods to map kinships support breeding programmes which aim at conserving genetic diversity. According to Pieter Oliehoek, who took his PhD on this subject at Wageningen University on 14 April, stewardship of genetic diversity of zoo animal species can be improved. Conservation of animal populations in captivity by good stewardship of genetic diversity should be done by using the method of ‘optimal contributions’ he advises. This method determines the optimal number for offspring of a certain breeding pair based on kinship, which allows for minimizing loss of genetic diversity compared to the initial situation. (Source: Resource no 23 (Wageningen University magazine), 02.04.2009); more.….