Reproductive Science and Integrated Conservation

This book illustrates the value of reproductive sciences in the management and conservation of wildlife species.

William V. Holt (Edited by), Amanda R. Pickard (Edited by), John C. Rodger (Edited by), David E. Wildt (Edited by)

9780521812153, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 5 December 2002

426 pages, 53 b/w illus. 34 tables
22.9 x 15.2 x 2.4 cm, 0.82 kg

'… it is a realistic look at the current state of conservation biology and those who have an interest in cryopreservation for the purposes of conservation will find much of its content of value.' CryoLetters

Reproduction is essential to the continuation and evolution of life on this planet and is therefore a centrally important process in the conservation of wildlife. However, reproductive mechanisms are well understood in only a handful of vertebrate species, mostly domestic livestock and laboratory animals. This means that attempts to develop and implement management policies for wildlife conservation, and especially for endangered species that, by definition, are difficult to study, are often based on poor data or no data at all. In Reproductive Science and Integrated Conservation leading authorities provide glimpses of reproductive diversity in fishes, amphibia, reptiles, birds and mammals. Conservation plans are founded on the assumption that reproduction will be successful, but what if it fails? This book reviews the many factors that influence reproduction, including genetics, behaviour and nutrition, and experts assess the potential conservation relevance of the recent rapid advances in reproductive technology and medicine.

List of contributors
Foreword Richard Stone
Part I. Introduction: 1. Toward more effective reproductive science for conservation David E. Wildt, Susie Ellis, Donald Janssen and Jennifer Buff
Part II. Reproduction and Population Viability: Introduction
2. Behaviour and reproduction Alan Dixson, Nancy Harvey, Marilyn Patton and Joanna Setchell
3. Nutrition and its interaction with reproductive processes Tom G. McEvoy and John J. Robinson
4. Environmental chemicals and the threat to male fertility in mammals: evidence and perspective Helen S. Baillie, Allan A. Pacey and Harry D. M. Moore
5. Assessing the consequences of inbreeding for population fitness: past challenges and future prospects Andrea C. Taylor
6. Impacts of inbreeding on components of reproductive success Karen Koeninger Ryan, Robert C. Lacy and Susan W. Margulis
7. The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) in declining populations: an example of adaptive variation Philip Hedrick
8. When is the birth rate the key factor associated with population dynamics? Tim Coulson and Elodie Hudson
Part III. Reproductive Techniques for Conservation Management: Introduction
9. Reproductive and welfare monitoring for the management of ex-situ populations Amanda R. Pickard
10. Non-invasive endocrine measures of reproduction and stress in wild populations Steven L. Monfort
11. Ultrasound for analysis of reproductive function in wildlife species Thomas B. Hildebrandt, Janine L. Brown, Robert Hermes and Frank Goritz
12. Role of embryo technologies in genetic management and conservation of wildlife Naida M. Loskutoff
13. Application of nuclear transfer technology to wildlife species J. K. Critser, L. K. Riley and R. S. Prather
Part IV. Integrated Conservation Management: Introduction
14. Integrating reproductive sciences into recovery programmes for declining and extinct marsupial populations Peter D. Temple-Smith
15. Captive breeding and predator control: a successful strategy for conservation in Western Australia Terry Fletcher and Keith Morris
16. Black-footed ferret: model for assisted reproductive technologies contributing to in situ conservation JoGayle Howard, Paul E. Marinari and David E. Wildt
17. Genetic resource banks for species conservation W. V. Holt, Teresa Abaigar, P. F. Watson and D. E. Wildt
18. Fertility control for wildlife John C. Rodger
19. Contraceptive vaccine development Karen E. Mate and Lyn A. Hinds
20. Field applications of fertility control for wildlife management Phil Cowan, Roger Pech and Paul Curtis
Part V. Reproductive Science in Non-Mammalian Species: Introduction
21. Reproductive technologies and challenges in avian conservation and management Ann M. Donoghue, Juan Manuel Blanco, George F. Gee, Yvonne Kirkby and David E. Wildt
22. Reptile reproduction and endocrinology Valentine A. Lance
23. Reproductive research and the worldwide amphibian extinction crisis Terri L. Roth and Amy Obringer
24. Reproduction in fishes in relation to conservation Gordon McGregor Reid and Heather Hall
Part VI. Conclusion: 25. Postscript - sex, wildlife and vindication W. V. Holt, A. R. Pickard, J. C. Rodger and D. E. Wildt
Index.

Subject Areas: Conservation of wildlife & habitats [RNKH], Conservation of the environment [RNK], Ecological science, the Biosphere [PSAF]