Understanding the Role of Semiochemicals on the Reproductive Behaviour of Cheetahs (<i>Acinonyx jubatus</i>)—A Review
The cheetah species <i>(Acinonyx jubatus</i>) is currently listed as vulnerable according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Captive breeding has long since been used as a method of conservation of the species, with the aim to produce a healthy, strong populati...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2021-11-01
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| Series: | Animals |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/11/11/3140 |
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| author | Alexia Tommasi Jacek A. Koziel Annelin H. Molotsi Giulia Esposito |
| author_facet | Alexia Tommasi Jacek A. Koziel Annelin H. Molotsi Giulia Esposito |
| author_sort | Alexia Tommasi |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | The cheetah species <i>(Acinonyx jubatus</i>) is currently listed as vulnerable according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Captive breeding has long since been used as a method of conservation of the species, with the aim to produce a healthy, strong population of cheetahs with an increased genetic variety when compared to their wild counterparts. This would then increase the likelihood of survivability once released into protected areas. Unfortunately, breeding females have been reported to be difficult due to the age of these animals. Older females are less fertile, have more difficult parturition, and are susceptible to asymmetric reproductive aging whereas younger females tend to show a significantly lower frequency of mating behaviour than that of older females, which negatively affects breeding introductions, and therefore mating. Nonetheless, the experience from breeding methods used in some breeding centres in South Africa and the Netherlands, which also rely on the role that semiochemicals play in breeding, proves that cheetahs can be bred successfully in captivity. This review aims to give the reader an in-depth overview of cheetahs’ reproductive physiology and behaviour, focusing on the role that pheromones play in this species. Furthermore, it aims to provide new insight into the use of semiochemicals to improve conservation strategies through captive breeding. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-10T05:46:31Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-cca07cb7c8fc4148b2eac9b1b0408c04 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2076-2615 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-10T05:46:31Z |
| publishDate | 2021-11-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Animals |
| spelling | doaj.art-cca07cb7c8fc4148b2eac9b1b0408c042023-11-22T22:06:02ZengMDPI AGAnimals2076-26152021-11-011111314010.3390/ani11113140Understanding the Role of Semiochemicals on the Reproductive Behaviour of Cheetahs (<i>Acinonyx jubatus</i>)—A ReviewAlexia Tommasi0Jacek A. Koziel1Annelin H. Molotsi2Giulia Esposito3Department of Animal Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7600, South AfricaDepartment of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USADepartment of Animal Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7600, South AfricaDepartment of Animal Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7600, South AfricaThe cheetah species <i>(Acinonyx jubatus</i>) is currently listed as vulnerable according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Captive breeding has long since been used as a method of conservation of the species, with the aim to produce a healthy, strong population of cheetahs with an increased genetic variety when compared to their wild counterparts. This would then increase the likelihood of survivability once released into protected areas. Unfortunately, breeding females have been reported to be difficult due to the age of these animals. Older females are less fertile, have more difficult parturition, and are susceptible to asymmetric reproductive aging whereas younger females tend to show a significantly lower frequency of mating behaviour than that of older females, which negatively affects breeding introductions, and therefore mating. Nonetheless, the experience from breeding methods used in some breeding centres in South Africa and the Netherlands, which also rely on the role that semiochemicals play in breeding, proves that cheetahs can be bred successfully in captivity. This review aims to give the reader an in-depth overview of cheetahs’ reproductive physiology and behaviour, focusing on the role that pheromones play in this species. Furthermore, it aims to provide new insight into the use of semiochemicals to improve conservation strategies through captive breeding.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/11/11/3140asymmetric reproductive agingbreedingendangered speciesFelidaemarking fluidpheromones |
| spellingShingle | Alexia Tommasi Jacek A. Koziel Annelin H. Molotsi Giulia Esposito Understanding the Role of Semiochemicals on the Reproductive Behaviour of Cheetahs (<i>Acinonyx jubatus</i>)—A Review Animals asymmetric reproductive aging breeding endangered species Felidae marking fluid pheromones |
| title | Understanding the Role of Semiochemicals on the Reproductive Behaviour of Cheetahs (<i>Acinonyx jubatus</i>)—A Review |
| title_full | Understanding the Role of Semiochemicals on the Reproductive Behaviour of Cheetahs (<i>Acinonyx jubatus</i>)—A Review |
| title_fullStr | Understanding the Role of Semiochemicals on the Reproductive Behaviour of Cheetahs (<i>Acinonyx jubatus</i>)—A Review |
| title_full_unstemmed | Understanding the Role of Semiochemicals on the Reproductive Behaviour of Cheetahs (<i>Acinonyx jubatus</i>)—A Review |
| title_short | Understanding the Role of Semiochemicals on the Reproductive Behaviour of Cheetahs (<i>Acinonyx jubatus</i>)—A Review |
| title_sort | understanding the role of semiochemicals on the reproductive behaviour of cheetahs i acinonyx jubatus i a review |
| topic | asymmetric reproductive aging breeding endangered species Felidae marking fluid pheromones |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/11/11/3140 |
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