Ultrastructural morphology and morphometry of epididymal sperm in the volcano rabbit (Romerolagus diazi)

Sperm characteristics of Romerolagus diazi, an endemic endangered rabbit from Mexico's Higlands, are poorly known. Knowledge of gamete characteristics are urged for any conservation-oriented strategy and morphometry-based taxonomical database. Sperm lagomorph comparisons have been made at light microscopy resolution. Our goal was to analyze the ultrastructure of the R. diazi male gamete. Two wild animals were kept in captivity and the epididymus were obtained. Fixed gametes show a characteristic spatula-like morphology with a dilated forefront. The nucleus has an arrow head morphology lightly thicker at the base. Tail ultrastructure is similar to that of laboratory rabbits with an end piece thicker than that of human sperm. Morphometry data could be used for construction of a male gamete data base for further studies.