TOWARDS A CAPTIVE-BREEDING PROGRAM FOR THE RIVERINE RABBIT BUNOLAGUS-MONTICULARIS

A programme has been designed for the captive breeding of riverine rab bits Bunolagus monticularis. Assuming that not more than 32 pairs can be kept, the systematic mating of off spring from one litter with offs pring from other litters appears to be a schedule which minimizes hand ling stress inflicted on the animals and which reduces inbreeding and minimizes the mean relatedness of the breeding stock. The use of mean relatedness as a measure of genetic similarity al the populational lev el of breeding colonies is advocated.