Conservation of Endangered Marsupials Essay -- Breeding Genetics Repro

Conservation of Endangered Marsupials Marsupials are creatures that are a very unique group of mammals. Many creatures are becoming threatened, and some have already become extinct. Threatened marsupials could be a pool of agricultural, medicinal, or genetic wealth that we do not yet have the technology to utilize. There are many methods to conserving these genetic pools; one of which is through reproduction manipulation. Artificial insemination, embryo transfer, and nuclear transfer are ways in which marsupials can be conserved if proper adjustments are made. Special considerations for artificial insemination of marsupials include equipment for collection and distribution, freezing, cryoprotectant and storage, and seasonality issues. Special considerations for embryo transfer include seasonality, collection, equipment for distribution, cryoprotectant and storage, and synchronizing both cycle and lactation of recipient. Special considerations of nuclear transfer include seasonality, protecting the compromised embr yo, uterine compatibility, gestation, and synchronization of both estrus and lactation due to embryonic diapause. If all adjustments are considered, then successful artificial insemination, embryo transfer, or nuclear transfer can occur. Examples of such successes will be discussed as well as some trial and errors. With more research and technological development, conservation of endangered or threatened marsupials can become more efficient to ensure the survival of these genetic marvels. Introduction Marsupials are very unique creatures with rare attributes which indicate the link between modern mammals and more primitive species. The possibility of extinction is threatening marsupial populations; so... ...supials. Reproduction, Fertility, and Development 13: 653-659. Taggart, D. A. 1994. A Comparison of Sperm and Embryo Transport in the Female Reproductive Tract of Marsupials and Eutherian Mammals. In Marsupial Reproduction: Gametes, Fertilization, and Early Development Reproduction, Fertility and Development 6, 31-52. CSIRO Australia. Temple-Smith, Peter D. 2003. Integrating Reproductive Sciences into Recovery Programmes for Declining and Extinct Marsupial Populations. In Reproductive science and integrated conservation, ed. William Holt, Amanda Pickard, John C. Rodger, David Wildt. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge. Tyndale-Biscoe, Hugh, Marilyn Renferee. 1987. Reproductive Physiology of Marsupials. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge. Youngs, Curtis. March 31, 2005. Personal Interview. Iowa State University. Dr. of Animal Science.