Reply to Passage 1 as if you are the president of the fictional zoo or aquarium. Identify something you think will be an issue with their plan and why you think this will cause an issueorwhy you think the author did a good job of identifying, planning, and thinking through and why it will succeed because of that. Think about the things a leader of an institution might worry/think more about than the people trying to build the captive population. What tensions might be at play between these two sides? And how could someone overcome those tensions?

Passage1:

Strategic Management Report for Sustainable Bearded Vulture Populations

Reintroductions are crucial for re-establishing self-sustaining populations in areas where species have been extirpated, but small populations face significant genetic challenges and the population of bearded vultures were looking to bred is a perfect example. Genetic drift can lead to a loss of genetic variation over time, while founder effects, occurring when a new population is established by a small number of individuals, can result in reduced genetic diversity. Effective population size (Ne) is a key measure, representing the number of individuals contributing to the next generation's gene pool. The Ne/N ratio, often less than 1 due to factors like unequal sex ratios and variation in reproductive success, highlights the need for careful management to maintain genetic health. Bottlenecks, where population size drastically reduces for a generation, can significantly diminish genetic diversity and increase inbreeding risks.

The bearded vulture population in the Alps has shown promising growth since reintroduction efforts began in 1986, with high survival rates and an average annual fecundity of 0.6 fledglings per breeding pair (Schaub et al, 2009). However, past bottlenecks and founder effects have impacted genetic diversity, particularly in the Pyrenean population. To address these issues, it is essential to maximize genetic diversity by sourcing individuals from different lineages (Western European and African/Asian), as supported by phylogeographical analysis indicating ecological exchangeability. Regular genetic monitoring using molecular markers will help detect early losses in genetic variability and play a key role in the breeding of our Mediterranean population.

Maintaining a healthy Ne is crucial for future genetic management. This involves promoting equal reproductive success and balanced sex ratios. For instance, the effective population size for the Turkish Cinereous Vulture was estimated at 112 individuals (akmak et al. 2019), underscoring the importance of maintaining or increasing this number to prevent genetic erosion. While the demographic model suggests that the bearded vulture population could sustain itself without continued releases, periodic releases can mitigate genetic drift and support genetic diversity. Redirecting resources towards demographic surveillance and supplementary releases when necessary, will be beneficial.

Preventing future bottlenecks is vital. Protective measures such as habitat conservation, reducing human-caused mortality, and enhancing food availability are essential to avoid significant population declines. If a bottleneck occurs, genetic rescueintroducing individuals from other populationscan help restore genetic diversity. By actively managing genetic diversity, maintaining a healthy Ne, and being prepared to address potential bottlenecks, we can ensure the long-term viability of the bearded vulture population.

In conclusion, creating a robust and self-sustaining bearded vulture population requires a strategic approach that includes maximizing genetic diversity, regular genetic monitoring, periodic releases, and habitat protection. These measures will help mitigate the risks associated with small population sizes and genetic challenges, ensuring the successful re-establishment and sustainability of bearded vulture populations in the Alps and potentially other regions