The Contribution of the Captive Breeding in Mexican Grey Wolf (<i>Canis lupus baileyi</i>) and Red Wolf (<i>Canis rufus</i>)

Abstract

The availability of captive breeding makes a big contribution to wildlife conservation. The zoos become a useful and scientific place for animal protection and conservation research. Moreover, some technologies, such as noninvasive endocrine monitoring, artificial insemination (AI) and semen cryopreservation are widely implemented during the captive breeding. Reintroduction programs have been established with effective managements and monitoring to ensure the wildlife survival rate, genetic purity and original biological traits. The Mexican grey wolf ( Canis lupus baileyi ) and Red Wolf ( Canis rufus ) are two successful examples of captive breeding in order to keep genetic diversity. This article has summarized these technologies which play an important role in Mexican grey wolf ( Canis lupus baileyi ) and Red Wolf ( Canis rufus ) conservation and may be influential in other species captive breeding.