IUCN / SSC Cat Specialist Group - Digital Cat Library |
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| Howard, J.G.; Wildt, D.E. | |
| Approaches and efficacy of artificial insemination in felids and mustelids | |
| 2009 Theriogenology (71): 130-148 | |
Two of the most divers and species-rich families in the order Carnivora include Felidae (cats) and Mustelidae (commonly called weasels). _Ex situ_ breeding programs exist for many of these rare carnivores, and one of the highest priorities is the retention of existing gene diversity to ensure species integrity, health and reproduction. Because cooperating institutions (usually zoos) breed animals on the basis of the genetic value of individuals and computerized calculations ok kinship (i.e., interrelatedness), the general protocol commonly involves physically moving animals between geographically different zoos for breeding. The logistical complexities, expense and animal stress associated with such transport is substantial. Additionally, there are some species that generally are reproductively inefficient under _ex situ_ conditions (e.g., cheetah, _Acinonyx jubatus_; clouded leopard, _Neofelis nebulosa_), likely related to a suboptimal captive environment. Of the many assisted breeding tools that have been developed for humans and livestock, artificial insemination (AI) has been recognized as most useful for addressing these highest priorities for _ex situ_ wildlife collections. Although the potential of AI for enhancing wildlife breeding programs was proposed more than 30 years ago, progress has been slow for all studied taxa, largely due to the need to first understand the fundamental biology of individual species. Since the 1970s, our laboratory has focused substantial effort on studying felid and mustelid species for the ultimate purpose of improving managed care. Once the reproductive physiology of each species was better understood, then positive AI-related results emerged. We also have evaluated extensively the applications of cryotechnology in the context of population genetic management as well as helping to conserve entire species. Thus, the potential of AI for wild carnivore management and conservation is enormous. This review discusses key factors, tools and lessons learned from 30 years of experience developing AI for wild felids and the black-footed ferret. |
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