Post by manxminx on Oct 16, 2007 11:15:43 GMT
I was wondering if anyone had compared the behaviours of Wild caught Vs Captive bred GALS species?
My thinking here is that after years of captive breeding various behavioural traits (ones that are not so important in captivity) would be reduced, and others increased, for example, foraging for food, self-protection and self- presevation, ability to cope with greater variances in temperature and humidity, interaction abilities, spacial awarenes, problem solving and pro-active behaviours, mating rituals etc. Would babies of generations of CB GALS survive in the wild, or have they lost that 'survival instinct'?
Also, and of similar interest, does inbreeding of captive snails cause any visible genetic differences over many tens of generations when compared to Wild caught ones? Or to put it another way, are molluscs susceptible to 'tired gene syndrome', and if so to what degree? It would make sense that they are - certainly if you look at other types of animals (including humans), inbreeding over generations does result in increased medical and psychological problems and susceptibilities, as well as, on occasions, some visual differences.
I think these questions are relevant because of the increasing availability of fresh DNA in the form of Wild caught GALS, either from the likes of Brixton Market, or directly from Africa. Should we allow these WC GALS to breed with a well established line of CB GALS? Yes, in theory, it's a good idea to 'refresh' the DNA of a particular species, but in practice it could lead to problems as well as benefits if there are behavioural and/or biological differences between WC and CB GALS.
Ali.
My thinking here is that after years of captive breeding various behavioural traits (ones that are not so important in captivity) would be reduced, and others increased, for example, foraging for food, self-protection and self- presevation, ability to cope with greater variances in temperature and humidity, interaction abilities, spacial awarenes, problem solving and pro-active behaviours, mating rituals etc. Would babies of generations of CB GALS survive in the wild, or have they lost that 'survival instinct'?
Also, and of similar interest, does inbreeding of captive snails cause any visible genetic differences over many tens of generations when compared to Wild caught ones? Or to put it another way, are molluscs susceptible to 'tired gene syndrome', and if so to what degree? It would make sense that they are - certainly if you look at other types of animals (including humans), inbreeding over generations does result in increased medical and psychological problems and susceptibilities, as well as, on occasions, some visual differences.
I think these questions are relevant because of the increasing availability of fresh DNA in the form of Wild caught GALS, either from the likes of Brixton Market, or directly from Africa. Should we allow these WC GALS to breed with a well established line of CB GALS? Yes, in theory, it's a good idea to 'refresh' the DNA of a particular species, but in practice it could lead to problems as well as benefits if there are behavioural and/or biological differences between WC and CB GALS.
Ali.