Abstract
Simple SummaryThis review aims to provide an in-depth overview of the reproductive physiology and behaviour of cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus). Specifically, it focuses on the role that pheromones (a class of semiochemicals) play by directly affecting the reproductive (e.g., precopulatory and copulatory) behaviour. Furthermore, it aims to critically analyze current research and provide new insights on study areas needing further investigation. It is clear, for instance, that further research is necessary to investigate the role of semiochemicals in the reproductive behaviour of cheetahs in order to rectify the current behavioural difficulties experienced when breeding younger females. This, in turn, would aid in improving captive breeding and the prevention of asymmetric reproductive aging.The cheetah species (Acinonyx jubatus) 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.
Highlights
Besides the fact that reproduction is a crucial part in ensuring the conservation and survival of a species [7], the main aim of captive breeding is to produce a population of cheetahs with a higher genetic variety when compared to their wild counterparts
Captive breeding of cheetahs occurred in response to the rapid decrease in cheetah population numbers over the past years; it initially aimed at increasing numbers, with the management of the last free-roaming cheetahs regarded as important for the species’ overall survival [37]
Semiochemicals that act as chemical signals between individuals of the same species are classified as pheromones, whereas chemical signals acting between members of two different species are classified as allelochemicals [12]
Summary
Besides the fact that reproduction is a crucial part in ensuring the conservation and survival of a species [7], the main aim of captive breeding is to produce a population of cheetahs with a higher genetic variety when compared to their wild counterparts. This has become a necessity in creating a sustainable, healthy population of cheetahs that would survive after possible reintroduction into protected wild areas [8,9]. It aims to provide new insight into the use of semiochemicals to improve conservation strategies through captive breeding
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