Embryo technology in conservation efforts for endangered felids

Most of the 36 species of wild cats are classified as threatened, vulnerabl e or endangered due to poaching and habitat loss. The important role of ass isted reproduction techniques (ART) as part of a multifaceted captive breed ing program for selected wild cat species is gradually gaining acceptance. This recognition is a result of the progress made during the last decade in which the feasibility of oocyte recovery from gonadotropin-treated females , in vitro fertilization embryo cryopreservation and embryo transfer (ET) w as demonstrated in the domestic cat (Felis catus). Additionally, embryos ha ve been produced in vitro fi om oocytes matured in vitro after recovery fro m ex situ ovaries of both domestic and non-domestic cat species and domesti c kittens have been born following transfer of these embryos. In vitro fert ilization has been successful in at least one-third of wild cat species and kittens were born after transfer of Indian desert cat (Felis sylvestris or nata) embryos into a domestic cat and con-specific transfer of tiger (Panth era tigris) embryos. The domestic cat is not only a valuable model for deve lopment of in vitro techniques but may serve as a recipient of embryos from several species of small wild cats. (C) 1999 by Elsevier Science Inc.