Saving wild ungulate diversity through enhanced management and sperm cryopreservation

Area of Science:

• Zoology
• Conservation Biology
• Reproductive Science

Background:

• Wild ungulates globally face significant extinction risks.
• Ex situ populations are challenged by small founder sizes, limited exhibit interest, and declining zoo space, leading to over 20% neonate loss.
• Effective conservation requires managing larger herds, enhancing husbandry, and advancing genetic management strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review threats to wild ungulate populations.
• To assess the current status and relevance of animal management and biomaterial banking for ungulate conservation.
• To highlight the need for improved ex situ population sustainability.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on ungulate conservation threats.
• Analysis of current practices in ex situ population management, including husbandry and genetic management.
• Examination of advancements in assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) and biomaterial banking (e.g., sperm and gonadal tissue cryopreservation).

Main Results:

• Significant neonate loss (>20%) occurs in ex situ ungulate collections globally.
• Recent progress in genomics, semen cryopreservation, and gonadal tissue cryopreservation offers new tools for genetic management.
• The development of genetic (sperm) banks is enabling enhanced reproductive management and potential species rescue.

Conclusions:

• Urgent need for improved management strategies, including large herd management and advanced reproductive technologies, to ensure ungulate population sustainability.
• Genomic advances and biomaterial banking are critical for preserving male ungulate genomes and supporting conservation efforts.
• Effective conservation relies on integrating improved husbandry, genetic management, and robust assisted reproductive technologies for wild ungulates.