Data from: Long-term trends in wild-capture and population dynamics point to an uncertain future for captive elephants.

Maintaining sustainable populations in captivity without supplementation
through wild-capture is a major challenge in conservation that zoos and
aquaria are working towards. However, the capture of wild animals
continues for many purposes where conservation is not the primary focus.
Wild-capture hinders long-term conservation goals by reducing remaining
wild populations. Furthermore, the direct and long-term indirect
consequences of wild-capture for captive population viability are rarely
addressed using longitudinal data. We explored the implications of changes
in wild-capture on population dynamics in captivity over 54 years using a
multi-generational studbook of working Asian elephants (Elephas maximus)
in Myanmar, the largest remaining captive elephant population. Here we
show that population growth and birth rates declined between 1960 and 2014
with declines in wild-capture. Importantly, wild-caught females had
reduced birth rates and higher mortality risk. However, despite the
disadvantages of wild-capture, the population may not be sustainable
without it, with immediate declines due to an unstable age-structure that
may last for 50 years. Our results highlight the need to assess the
long-term demographic consequences of wild-capture to ensure the
sustainability of captive populations as species are increasingly managed
and conserved in altered or novel environments.