Abstract

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) maintains 18 felid species within North American zoological parks; of these, only three large cat species (lion, Panthera leo; tiger, Panthera tigris; jaguar, Panthera onca) are considered sustainable at 90% genetic diversity for the next 100 yr. The remaining cat populations, including all ten small-sized felid species, are projected to decline over time without improved breeding success and founder representation. For five priority small cat species (ocelot, Leopardus pardalis; fishing cat, Prionailurus viverrinus; sand cat, Felis margarita; black-footed cat, Felis nigripes; Pallas’cat, Otocolobus manul), recent advances in assisted reproductive technologies are providing Species Survival Plan (SSP) coordinators with new tools to improve genetic and demographic sustainability. Over the past 5 yr, reproductive research studies have led to substantial improvements in semen cryopreservation, ovarian synchronization, and artificial insemination methods in felids.^1-6 In partnership with the respective SSP coordinators and in collaboration with SSP participant zoos, reproductive scientists have begun applying these new findings to achieve three primary objectives: 1) collection and cryopreservation of semen from the most genetically valuable males for each species, 2) propagation of recommended (but non-breeding) pairings using fixed-time laparoscopic oviductal artificial insemination (LO-AI), and 3) production of offspring using LO-AI with frozen semen from new founders and underrepresented males. The ultimate goal of this ongoing project, funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), is to improve the sustainability and management of small felid species while demonstrating the applied value of assisted reproduction, as an adjunct to natural breeding, for endangered species conservation.

Acknowledgments

The authors thank IMLS for financial support of this Collection Stewardship grant.

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