Cold dogs: Sperm freezing, artificial insemination & non-invasive monitoring tools to facilitate a hybrid conservation management approach for endangered African wild dogs

Abstract

Given the ongoing fragmentation and decline of suitable habitat coupled with recurring disease outbreaks and pack eradications, a major rethink is required to manage the long-term genetic diversity of the endangered African wild dog. Competing financial demands in developing countries mean that conservation strategies need to yield the biggest genetic gains for the smallest economic cost. As such, we propose the development of a hybrid conservation approach to the metapopulation management of African wild dogs, which augments assisted dispersal and natural breeding initiatives with genetic gains afforded by sperm banking and artificial insemination. We discuss how such an approach would address current challenges faced by the species in the context of its unique social biology and how this could integrate with existing conservation management interventions. Moreover, during a period spanning nearly 20 years, we have developed many of the supporting reproductive technologies required to maximise genetic diversity of African wild dogs, in addition to a suite of non-invasive management tools to quantify, monitor and manipulate behaviour, vocalisations, hormones for reproductive function and responses to stressors, as well as immune function to improve the social cohesion, health and reproduction of packs.