Breeding in the wild is the natural process of
animal reproduction occurring in the natural habitat of a given species. This terminology is distinct from
animal husbandry or
breeding of species in captivity. Breeding locations are often chosen for very specific requirements of shelter and proximity to food; moreover, the
breeding season is a particular time window that has evolved for each species to suit species anatomical,
mating-ritual, or climatic and other ecological factors. Many species migrate considerable distances to reach the requisite breeding locations. Certain common characteristics apply to various
taxa within the animal kingdom, which traits are often sorted among amphibians, reptiles, mammals,
avafauna,
arthropods and lower life forms.