CCR study results: In captive pairs, male dominance, female aggression and copulation duration were positively associated, and female solicitation of male attention was negatively associated with pup production. The study has vastly increased our understanding of VIM reproductive behaviour. In addition, behaviours identified as being associated with successful reproduction can be monitored by animal care staff at breeding facilities to help breed animals in a reliable and predictable manner, thereby maximizing the number of animals available for reintroduction to the wild while meeting the genetic goals of the program.

Captive pairs exhibited greater activity levels and similar levels of social interactions compared to wild conspecifics, suggesting that the captive environment has not caused negative broad-scale behavioural alterations. Captive pairs also engaged in social interactions more commonly in nest boxes than in enclosures. Since nest boxes and natural burrow chambers are likely structured and used similarly, we suggest that, in wild animals, social interactions are greater in burrows than above ground. Results thus far suggest that captive adults may be suitable candidates for reintroduction and provide some important information towards ensuring success in the VIM recovery program, such as the importance of considering possible disease transmission risks associated with high sociality in burrow chambers and the protection of burrows as critical habitat.