CONSERVATION OF DEER - CONTRIBUTIONS FROM MOLECULAR-BIOLOGY, EVOLUTIONARY ECOLOGY, AND REPRODUCTIVE PHYSIOLOGY

Molecular phylogenetics, interspecific comparisons, and assisted repro ductive techniques are recent approaches to understanding and facilita ting conservation of endangered species. This paper reviews the contri bution of these approaches to a small but well-studied group of mammal s, deer, many of which are endangered in the wild. Conservation effort s require a comprehensive understanding of the biology and history of these animals. The value of assisted reproductive technologies for con servation of deer has received increased awareness especially for capt ive populations. Such breeding programmes are designed to assist propa gation of threatened species and to maximize genetic diversity within populations through the movement of genetic material across the globe, but will only be successful if we understand the genetic and reproduc tive potential of various lineages. Here we discuss the phylogenetic s tatus of deer, the distinctiveness and evolution of their reproductive patterns, and current approaches for improving the success of control led breeding programmes for the conservation of endangered lineages. O nly by combining both theoretical and practical approaches to conserva tion efforts can we hope to salvage the remaining organismal diversity of our planet.