IUCN / SSC Cat Specialist Group - Digital Cat Library |
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| Imon, S. | |
| Studies on the reproductive management in captive cheetahs | |
| 2015 Full Book | |
The number of wildlife species on the verge of extinction has continually increased over recent years. It is necessary to clarify reproductive physiology and the management practices to promote propagation of endangered species within cultures. My research focuses on the reproductive management of the cheetah (_Acinonyx jubatus_) classified as "Vulnerable" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Cheetahs breed sexually on an annual basis. It is important that females attain the state of estrus in captivity. The estrus cycle of female cheetah has been studied by various techniques such as observing sexual behavior, examining hormone movement in the blood and in the feces, and verifying vaginal pap smears; however, a unified method has not been developed. In addition, it has been reported that long-term estrus in captivity continues and that low-rank female is restrained in a female pair and the environment of captive facilities and multiple cheetahs inhabiting the same facilities influences the estrogen value and success of copulation. In January 2009, a special bark from a male cheetah triggered female ovulation in the San Diego Wild Animal Park in the United States. Deliberate propagation is necessary because hereditary mutation occurs at a rate of 1%-10%. In the present study, I intended to advance efficient breeding of cheetah in captivity according to the following 2 aims: 1) To analyze the survivorship and reproductive, trends as well as the pedigree of domestic cheetah in 2012 using the "International Cheetah Studbook 2012" and the "Cheetah Internal Studbook." 2) To investigate the influence of voice and odor of other cheetahs on the behavior and physiology of females by daily release of a group of cheetahs, one at a time and alternatively (male/female), into an outdoor enclosure for behavior observation. Hormone measurement of the feces and analysis of voices of the cheetah raised at Tama Zoological Park was conducted and results were incorporated into the propagation plan at each facility. |
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