-A Study on Pokemon Breeding, Wild vs Captivity

Pokédex listings and field guides will often list the egg-group of an observed species, and give general information as to its bodily traits, variances and type anatomy. However, some Pokémon observed in these documentations are listed under Genderless or Unknown Egg group, whilst some are noted as “Unable to Breed”. One may notice that this cannot logically make sense however, as most Pokémon cannot knowingly just materialise, and therefore should originate from a parent.  This Study seeks to find clarity within the discrepancies found within the Pokédex and field notes.

A proviso prior to continuing, is that some species cannot breed for biologically clear reasons. A group of Pokémon known as “Baby Pokemon” are the infant or child stages of other species, and reasonably cannot reproduce as they lack the developmental maturity to do so. That is to say, these Pokémon should be able to reproduce when evolved and fully mature. This also translates to newly hatched Pokémon, that even without a “child stage” of evolution, any species requires several weeks or months of initial care and/or development before being able to seek a mate.

Secondly, Mythical and Legendary Pokémon have had limited data collected on them, and have been placed within this “egg-group” as we cannot reasonably speculate the egg-group that they pertain to without further and more intimate research. It can be noted that Professor Ivy and Birch had documented a Mother and Child pairing of Lugia that were discovered in the Orange Island Archipelago, as well as there having been multiple sightings of Articuno and Zapdos across multiple regions. The two birds in question were noted to having slight variations in plumage and colouration, suggesting that they were different examples of the species than those observed in the KanJo area. These observations suggest that at least some Mythical and Legendary Pokémon are capable of reproducing with a mate,  but research is required to fully know these limitations.

Case Study: Nidorina and Nidoqueen, Explanation behind inability to breed with Male Counterparts

One Enigma that has science confused, is that Nidorina and Nidoqueen appear to be unable to produce offspring with any member of its egg-group, whilst Nidoran♀ is able to successfully breed with males in its egg-group, generally favouring those closer to its size. We have been unable to effectively explain as to why this biological anomaly exists, and what is stranger still is that we know that “breeding pairs” of Nidoking and Nidoqueen have been seen with a brood or litter of their offspring. This suggests that Nidoqueens observed in the wild have either coincidentally evolved after having offspring when they have been observed; or that they are in fact able to breed in the wild, and something changes within their biochemistry when they are in captivity. That is to say, that taking Nidoqueen from its natural environment, may cause it to be unable to breed with any mate.

An experiment was proposed to monitor Nidoqueen and Nidoking pairs, in both the wild, and in captivity. The experiment consisted of tracking the pairs to monitor breeding habits, whether the pairs bred seasonally, if at all, and monitor health data from the pairs. Observing and comparing these datasets would hopefully find some disparity that would possibly explain the reason why Nidoqueen and Nidorina have difficulty reproducing in captivity.

Teams of Field researchers were posted across the regions of Kanto, Sinnoh, and Johto; regions in which the Nidoran family are more commonly found, and tasked to observe the behaviours and gather health data. The Health data consisted of samples of blood and droppings of both male and female species, as well as observing diet and social behaviours. After several months of research, the data was compiled and mapped to provide the following results:
•	Of the Wild Pairs: All members of the Nido lineage, do not appear to have favouring conditions for breeding, within the Kanto and Johto region, but in Sinnoh, warmer conditions were favoured. Pairs in the wild will wait until spring before attempting to mate.
•	Of the Captive Pairs: Similar behaviours were observed to the Sinnoh set, that the pairs preferred warmer environments. When this was adjusted and accounted for, the pairs appeared more readily interested in reproducing.
•	Wild Nidoking made stronger attempts at asserting dominance and establishing territory as theirs, as the risk of other males was more readily apparent. This behaviour did not appear as often in captive experiments, as the males seemed to be were aware of a lack of other males in the vicinity.
•	Both Nidoqueen sets exhibit brooding and nesting behaviours, keeping their habitats clean and clear of debris, and ensuring a warm den for their families. 
•	Wild Nidoqueen appeared to consume more nutrients from berries, grasses and prey items, favouring a diet of bitter berries and roots in the days or weeks leading to gestation period or heat. Captive Nidoqueen would attempt to access and have preference to these foods when given the choice.
•	Observing the blood samples of both male and females, Wild Nidoking had higher levels of testosterone and higher relative blood pressure than captive males. They also appear to act more aggressively and energetically in their wild habitat.
•	Wild Nidoqueen were also found to have higher levels of oestrogen, as well as several proteins, antibodies and hormones which were not present in most of the captive cohort. Examining the Nidoqueen in both sets; post-coitus, samples of tissues and genetic material from the female indicate a higher presence of these hormones, higher bodily temperatures and more male genetic material in Wild Females.
•	Of the attempted gestations, it was found that Wild Females successfully reproduced 58% of the time. By which an egg was successfully laid and hatched either a Nidoran♂ / Nidoran♀
•	Of attempted gestations in Captive Females, those who were unable to have access to the same diet as the wild set, saw a 0% reproduction rate, whilst those who were able to eat bitter diet, similar to those of wild set, had a success rate of 13%.

The data received from the tests was extraordinary. The fact that Nidoqueen was able to successfully reproduce at all in captivity, suggests that the human element was mostly to blame for Nidoqueen’s inability to reproduce. The findings suggest that the hormonal balance in Nidoqueen and Nidorina are more delicate, and that specific nutrients and environmental conditions affect their ability to successfully produce the hormones and bodily conditions required for successful reproduction. Observing Nidoran♀ as a test bench; it was found that these hormones are more readily available in their systems, however they are only likely to produce a single egg, whereas Nidorina and Nidoqueen will lay between 2 and 5. The wild Nidoqueen were found to diet more heavily on the following:
•	Avoiding Dry and Sour Tasting, Indifferent to Spice, preferring less Spicy.
•	Favouring Stronger Bitterness and Mild Sweetness
•	Aguav, Magost, Rawst, Watmel, Rindo, Haban, Jaboca, Custap Berries were Most consumed when found
•	Bitter Roots and Grasses, typically used as medicinal items also appeared favourable

From the evidence provided by the study, it appears that Nidoqueen and Nidorina, whilst not always successful, are able to successfully reproduce, but they require the correct conditions in order to successfully breed with a mate. Diet and Habitat appear to be the most influential factors to affect the success rate of breeding with these Pokémon. Trainers and Breeders should aim to provide their Pokémon with a warm, moderate surrounding, and ensure that they have the ability to correctly nest and feel entirely comfortable. The suggested berries should be provided as well as medicinal roots which assist Nidoqueen and Nidorina with hormonal development. During the experiment, it was noticed that wild males appeared to be better genetic producers. Whilst it may not be a requirement, more virile males, would also help in successful gestation, though this is the case with almost all species. Nidoqueen and Nidorina have been proven to be able to reproduce in captivity, as long as their requirements are met to replicate conditions found in their natural environment. 

From this, Nidorina and Nidoqueen should share the same egg-group as Nidorino and Nidoking; The Monster and Field egg-groups.

The discovery of Nidoqueen and Nidorina’s ability to reproduce successfully. Has prompted further discussion amongst myself and my colleagues; to look for further research into what other species may have been miscategorised or not fully investigated.