Reproduction Of Endangered Species From Frozen Semen Renews Hopes For Its Survival

The study shows that artificial insemination with long-stored sperms is not only possible but also beneficial to the genetic diversity of an endangered species.

With the frozen semen obtained from a ferret which died 20 years ago, US scientists have successfully reproduced genetically important offspring.

The effort renews hope for future survival of black-footed ferrets, a critically endangered species native to North America.

Poisoned Endangered Species of Vulture Saved from Death
Mobile Veterinary Service and the Assam forest department helped a team of wildlife conservers to save a poisoned endangered vulture.

"Our study is the first to provide empirical evidence that artificial insemination with long-stored spermatozoa is not only possible but also beneficial to the genetic diversity of an endangered species," said lead author David Wildt, senior scientist and head of the Center for Species Survival at The Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI)

"What we have done here with the black-footed ferret is an excellent example of how sperm preservation can benefit species recovery programs," Wild noted.

Over the past several years, the team has been developing assisted reproductive technology like artificial insemination and semen cryopreservation. SCBI developed a successful laparoscopic artificial insemination technique for black-footed ferrets.

Commercial Exploitation of Sumatran Forests Will Push Endangered Species on the Island Closer Towards Extinction
The proposed plans to open up large swathes of forest on the Sumatra island for commercial exploitation and laying of roads poses a great risk to endangered species.

Females are induced ovulators, which mean that mating itself causes the ovary to release its eggs. The researchers developed a hormone treatment that artificially causes ovulation to occur. Scientists then deposited the male's fresh or frozen-thawed sperm directly into the female's uterus.

Animal care staff closely monitored potentially pregnant females by taking weight measurements and remote monitoring of the nest boxes via closed-circuit cameras.

Stem Cells from Endangered Species
For the first time scientists have produced stem cells from endangered species.

"Our findings show how important it is to bank sperm and other biomaterials from rare and endangered animal species over time," said Paul Marinari, senior curator at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute. The study was published in the journal Animal Conservation.

Source-IANS

The Key To Wildlife Conservation Lies In People's Relationship With The Animals
A Michigan State University doctoral student says that to protect a dangerous and endangered animal, it is essential to know how people feel about their wildlife neighbors.