Amanda R. Pickard

Non-invasive monitoring of reproductive status in wild mongoose lemurs (Eulemur mongoz)

Endocrine profiles were investigated in wild and captive mongoose lemurs (Eulemur mongoz; Lemuridae) by analysing faecal progestagens and oestrogens. Oestrous cycle characterization was not possible, as most females appeared to conceive during the first oestrus of the breeding season. Conception was preceded by a pseudo-oestrus with no discernible luteal phase. Pseudo-oestrus and oestrus identification was possible by investigating the oestrogen:progestagen ratio. Pregnancy was reliably determined approximately 47 days after conception, when progestagen and oestrogen excretion increased above breeding season concentrations. Gestation was further characterized by high progestagen concentrations and a decline in oestrogen excretion 70-80 days after conception. Post partum, progestagens declined, but oestrogen excretion increased to exceed breeding season concentrations. In the wild group, a nulliparous daughter conceived while still a member of her natal group and aborted after 70-80 days of pregnancy at which time progestagens had declined but oestrogens remained high. Comparisons with other strepsirhine primates suggest that pseudo-oestrus followed by conception at first oestrus may be prevalent in lemurs. Gestational progesterone profiles vary between species, but a delayed increase in oestrogens during pregnancy could be common to all strepsirhines, although oestrogen levels during the final trimester of pregnancy differ between lemurs and lorises. Methodological investigations showed that prolonged storage of faeces in ethanol is viable and that the presence of undigested vegetable matter in the faecal pellets had no effect on the interpretation of hormone profiles.

Ovarian activity in Arabian leopards (Panthera pardus nimr): sexual behaviour and faecal steroid monitoring during the follicular cycle, mating and pregnancy

The Arabian leopard is a critically endangered subspecies endemic to the Arabian Peninsula. A fundamental understanding of the ovarian activity of the leopard is important to enhance the success with which it breeds in captivity. The objective of the present study was to characterise the endocrinology of the follicular cycle, ovulation and pregnancy in captive females using faecal steroid hormone analyses and observations of sexual behaviour. The follicular cycle of the leopard was shown to last 18-23 days based on the interval between consecutive peaks of faecal oestrogen conjugates, and the occurrence of silent heats was high. Puberty had commenced at 2 years of age, but faecal steroid profiles did not match those of the adult female until 3 years of age. No seasonal change in ovarian steroid excretion was observed, although behavioural oestrus was suppressed in summer. Significant rises in faecal progestagen concentrations were only recorded in mated leopards, indicating that these females were strictly induced ovulators. However, only 60% of these mating periods were ovulatory. Progestagen concentrations during pregnancy were significantly higher than those of the non-pregnant luteal phase. The average duration of the non-pregnant and pregnant luteal phases was 39 and 97 days, respectively. The basic features of the reproductive cycle of the Arabian leopard described here form an important foundation for further study into its reproduction.

Endocrine correlates of sexual behavior in the Mohor gazelle (Gazella dama mhorr)

In this study, we quantitatively examined male sexual behavior in relation to fecal estrogen and progesterone concentrations in female Mohor gazelles. We investigated the hypothesis that, during natural mating, males detect cues relating to the potential for successful conception and pregnancy. Time series analysis revealed that males could detect the approach of estrus 2-3 days before female fecal estrogens and estrogen/progestagen (E/P) ratio reached their peak values. Males also paid closer attention to those females excreting higher fecal estrogen concentrations. Mounting and copulation frequencies were positively correlated with both peri-ovulatory fecal estrogen concentrations, and the frequency of pre-copulatory courtship behaviors. These data suggested that males invest their reproductive effort selectively by mating the most fertile females, assuming that estrogen is a valid index of fertility. This assumption was investigated by examining sequential phases of the reproductive cycle for evidence that oocytes and follicles produced in a more estrogenic environment would lead to the formation of the most competent corpora lutea, thereby maximizing the chance of sustaining pregnancy. Associations between sexual behavior and hormone excretion support the hypothesis that males may use this mechanism to assess female fertility.

Reproductive Science and Integrated Conservation: Contents

CONSERVATION and reproduction are inextricably linked, for reproduction is the science of the transmission of life, and conservation is the ability to maintain that life. The theme of this book is that reproductive science in all its multiple sub-disciplines is an essential (but often overlooked) component for all successful conservation. The very first statement in the volume makes this message clear “Therefore, the study of reproduction is fundamental to conserving species, populations and, indirectly, the vitality of entire ecosystems”. The overriding message is just how little we know, and for only a handful of vertebrate species. The lack of basic research is of great concern, for, as Short (1985) so succinctly stated, “we cannot conserve until we comprehend”. This compendium of papers from world experts makes a start at redressing our ignorance.

Reproductive Science and Integrated Conservation: Index

CONSERVATION and reproduction are inextricably linked, for reproduction is the science of the transmission of life, and conservation is the ability to maintain that life. The theme of this book is that reproductive science in all its multiple sub-disciplines is an essential (but often overlooked) component for all successful conservation. The very first statement in the volume makes this message clear “Therefore, the study of reproduction is fundamental to conserving species, populations and, indirectly, the vitality of entire ecosystems”. The overriding message is just how little we know, and for only a handful of vertebrate species. The lack of basic research is of great concern, for, as Short (1985) so succinctly stated, “we cannot conserve until we comprehend”. This compendium of papers from world experts makes a start at redressing our ignorance.

Reproductive Science and Integrated Conservation: Introduction

CONSERVATION and reproduction are inextricably linked, for reproduction is the science of the transmission of life, and conservation is the ability to maintain that life. The theme of this book is that reproductive science in all its multiple sub-disciplines is an essential (but often overlooked) component for all successful conservation. The very first statement in the volume makes this message clear “Therefore, the study of reproduction is fundamental to conserving species, populations and, indirectly, the vitality of entire ecosystems”. The overriding message is just how little we know, and for only a handful of vertebrate species. The lack of basic research is of great concern, for, as Short (1985) so succinctly stated, “we cannot conserve until we comprehend”. This compendium of papers from world experts makes a start at redressing our ignorance.