As extinction rates accelerates, biologists seek methods for preserving endangered species. Captive breeding is one such method.
Captive breeding focuses on the reproduction of rare animals in captivity.
In order to increase the world population of certain species, captive breeding removes the threats to that species breeding in the wild. The results of captive breeding can play a significant role in conserving species. The individuals of a species participating in captive breeding programs can serve as a demographic and genetic reservoir for the species. If the wild populations of the species reach critically low numbers, it may be necessary to translocate captive individuals to infuse the needed genetic or demographic information into the wild populations. New wild populations of species can also be created from captive populations.