Capra Pyrenaica Research Articles

Effects of anesthetic protocols on electroejaculation variables of Iberian ibex ( Capra pyrenaica)

The effects of three intramuscular anesthesia protocols – detomidine 190 μg/kg plus ketamine 2 mg/kg, detomidine 270 μg/kg plus ketamine 1.4 mg/kg, and tiletamine 3.4 mg/kg plus zolazepam 3.4 mg/kg – on penis protrusion and ejaculation variables were compared in nine captive Spanish ibex ( Capra pyrenaica) subjected to electroejaculation. Body temperature, heart, and respiratory rates, as well as a number of plasma biochemical variables were also recorded prior to and during anesthesia. The detomidine plus ketamine protocols induced bradycardia and increased respiratory rate. However, the tiletamine/zolazepam protocol did not affect heart and respiratory rates. None of the three protocols caused a substantial change in rectal temperature, yet all protocols caused a significant increase in plasma glucose levels. Differences in anesthetic protocols did not affect sperm quality or quantity. However, choice of anesthetic protocol affected ( P < 0.05) the degree of penis protrusion and the electrical pulse sequence required to achieve ejaculation. Results of this study support a recommendation of detomidine 270 μg/kg plus ketamine 1.4 mg/kg for anesthesia of Spanish ibex undergoing electroejaculation.

The effects of winter severity and population density on body stores in the Iberian wild goat (Capra pyrenaica) in a highly seasonal mountain environment

We studied the factors that determined kidney fat stores (KFs) and kidney stores (Ks)—defined as the residuals from the linear regression of kidney mass and kidney fat, respectively, on body weight—in 463 Iberian wild goats (Capra pyrenaica) from the Sierra Nevada (southern Spain). Despite the fact that body stores in both sexes were highest during the warmest months of the year and lowest during the coldest months when food resources are limited, the observed pattern was sex- and age-dependent. The KFs of male goats fell more than those of females in winter, and the yearlings of both sexes needed one season more than young or adults to restore their KFs. Goats of all age classes showed the same seasonal patterns in their Ks, although Ks were lower in females than in males throughout the yearly cycle. In addition, we found strong delayed effects of both snowfalls and population density on body stores, and in years with a lot of snow, goats' KFs reached their lowest levels in the current winter–spring, but the highest in the following summers and autumns. This pattern was less noticeable in the Ks. Population density negatively affected the body stores of wild goats, especially in winter, and the amount of snow fallen in the year of birth (cohort effect) did not seem to influence the body stores in our data set. In addition, we assessed the accuracy of the residuals from the regression between body size and body mass for monitoring body condition of live wild goats and concluded that, although it poorly indicates fat stores, it could be used as a general proxy of body condition. Finally, we discuss the expected effects of climate warming on body stores in this Mediterranean Caprinae species.

Effects of season, age and body condition on allocation to testes mass in Iberian ibex

Sperm competition is a powerful evolutionary force, and understanding the factors that regulate testes characteristics may lead to a better understanding of the variability in male reproductive success. We explored the effects of age, body condition and season on relative testes mass in the Iberian ibex Capra pyrenaica. We analysed the variability of testes mass from 175 individuals, using a model selection approach based on Akaike's information criterion corrected for a small sample size. The results suggest that season, age and body condition influenced relative testes mass. Allocation to testes mass was greatest in the rutting season (autumn) and at ages that are associated with a subordinate status and a coursing, rather than mate-guarding, reproductive strategy. In addition, males in good condition had relatively heavier testes than those in poor condition. Thus, testes mass in Iberian ibex is governed by multiple factors, and this study leads to a better understanding of gonad plasticity in this polygamous ungulate. The effect of age matches the predictions from theoretical studies on sperm competition, which suggests greater allocation to testes in disadvantaged males.

EL COMPORTAMIENTO FINANCIERO DE LAS EMPRESAS SOCIALMENTE RESPONSABLES

El objeto del presente trabajo es analizar determinadas variables de naturaleza financiera en las empresas consideradas socialmente responsables, las que forman parte del índice de sostenibilidad español FTSE4Good IBEX, y determinar si existen diferencias significativas en su comportamiento respecto a las del resto de índices de la familia IBEX. Los resultados muestran que las acciones de las empresas socialmente responsables obtienen una rentabilidad superior para el mismo nivel de riesgo sistemático y que su sensibilidad ante los cambios en el mercado es mayor. This paper analyses financial performance of companies considered as highly socially responsible. For this purpose, companies that compose the Spanish sustainability index FTSE4Good IBEX (as well as other IBEX indices) are examined. Two basic results can be highlighted: first, stocks of companies that are socially responsible earn returns on excess over systematic risk, making them investment-attractive. Second, they have a higher systematic risk.

Effects of azaperone and haloperidol on the stress response of drive-net captured Iberian ibexes (Capra pyrenaica)

The physical capture of wild ungulates is performed for different purposes when anesthesia in field conditions is not possible or advisable. The use of tranquilizers may contribute to improved welfare of captured animals. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of azaperone and haloperidol on the stress response of Iberian ibex (Capra pyrenaica) through the evaluation of physiological, hematological, and serum biochemical parameters. Thirty-five Iberian ibexes were drive-net captured and randomly injected with azaperone (0.52 ± 0.07 mg/kg intramuscularly (IM); n = 10), haloperidol (0.17 ± 0.04 mg/kg IM; n = 10), or saline (0.5 mL IM; n = 15) and physically restrained for 3 h. The variability of heart rate was lower in the azaperone-treated ibexes, suggesting a calming effect, and erythrocyte and biochemical parameters indicated vasodilation, splenic sequestration, hemodilution, improvement of renal perfusion, and a protective effect on muscle as a result of smooth muscle relaxation induced by azaperone. Haloperidol showed poorer results, maybe due to insufficient dosage. These results support the suitability of using azaperone in capture operations of Iberian ibex in order to reduce stress and prevent its adverse effects.

Species distribution models in climate change scenarios are still not useful for informing policy planning: an uncertainty assessment using fuzzy logic

We compared the effect of general circulation models and greenhouse gas emission scenarios on the uncertainty associated with models predicting changes in areas favourable to animal species. Given that mountain species are particularly at risk due to climate warming, we selected one amphibian (Baetic midwife toad), one reptile (Lataste's viper), one bird (Bonelli's eagle), and one mammal (Iberian wild goat) present in Spanish mountains to model their distributional response to climate change during this century. Climate forecasts for the whole century were provided by the Agencia Estatal de Meteorología (AEMET; National Meteorological Agency) of Spain, which adapted the general circulation models CGCM2 and ECHAM4 and produced expected temperature and precipitation values for Spain according to the A2 and B2 emission scenarios. We constructed separate models of the species response to spatial, topographic, human, and climate variables using current values of the corresponding variables. We predicted future areas favourable to the species by replacing the current climate values with those expected according to each climate change scenario, while keeping spatial, topographic and human variables constant. Fuzzy logic was used to compute the coincidence between predictions for different emission scenarios in the same global circulation model, and the consistency between predictions for the same emission scenario applying different general circulation models. In general, coincidences were higher than consistencies and, thus, discrepancies between predictions were more attributable to uncertainty in global circulation models, i.e. our insufficient knowledge concerning the effect of the oceans and atmosphere on climate, than to the putative effect of different emission scenarios on future climates. Our conclusion is that species distribution models in climate warming scenarios are still not useful for informing emission policy planning, although they have great potential as tools once consistencies become higher than coincidences.

Spatial distribution and risk factors of Brucellosis in Iberian wild ungulates

BackgroundThe role of wildlife as a brucellosis reservoir for humans and domestic livestock remains to be properly established. The aim of this work was to determine the aetiology, apparent prevalence, spatial distribution and risk factors for brucellosis transmission in several Iberian wild ungulates.MethodsA multi-species indirect immunosorbent assay (iELISA) using Brucella S-LPS antigen was developed. In several regions having brucellosis in livestock, individual serum samples were taken between 1999 and 2009 from 2,579 wild bovids, 6,448 wild cervids and4,454 Eurasian wild boar (Sus scrofa), and tested to assess brucellosis apparent prevalence. Strains isolated from wild boar were characterized to identify the presence of markers shared with the strains isolated from domestic pigs.ResultsMean apparent prevalence below 0.5% was identified in chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica), Iberian wild goat (Capra pyrenaica), and red deer (Cervus elaphus). Roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), fallow deer (Dama dama), mouflon (Ovis aries) and Barbary sheep (Ammotragus lervia) tested were seronegative. Only one red deer and one Iberian wild goat resulted positive in culture, isolating B. abortus biovar 1 and B. melitensis biovar 1, respectively. Apparent prevalence in wild boar ranged from 25% to 46% in the different regions studied, with the highest figures detected in South-Central Spain. The probability of wild boar being positive in the iELISA was also affected by age, age-by-sex interaction, sampling month, and the density of outdoor domestic pigs. A total of 104 bacterial isolates were obtained from wild boar, being all identified as B. suis biovar 2. DNA polymorphisms were similar to those found in domestic pigs.ConclusionsIn conclusion, brucellosis in wild boar is widespread in the Iberian Peninsula, thus representing an important threat for domestic pigs. By contrast, wild ruminants were not identified as a significant brucellosis reservoir for livestock.

Dystocia and Paraparesis Associated with Intra-pelvic Space-restricting Hematoma in a Spanish Ibex (Capra pyrenaica hispanica)

Vilar, J.M., Corbera, J.A. and Ramírez, G.A. 2010. Dystocia and paraparesis associated with intra-pelvic space-restricting hematoma in a Spanish ibex (Capra pyrenaica hispanica). J. Appl. Anim. Res., 37: 89–91. This report presents a case of dystocia and mummification of a. co-twin fetus in a nine-year-old pregnant Spanish ibex (Capra pyrenaica hispanica) that was a direct result of capture procedures. The anesthetic dart penetrated the left perivulvar region, causing a large intra-pelvic space-restricting hematoma. Subsequently, the doe developed bilateral hindlimb paresis and marked vaginal prolapse. On cesarean section one of the fetuses was dead and exhibited features of initial maceration. The second fetus was weak, but survived and appeared normal. The doe recovered well from the anesthesia, but after 48 h displayed lethargy, ataxia, disorientation and extreme weakness and it was deemed appropriate to euthanize the animal. The postmortem examination revealed lesions suggestive of pregnancy toxemia. Trauma in pregnant wild goats should raise the clinical suspicion of fetal death and dictate further observation; in a twin pregnancy, the appearance of a single fetal death should be investigated.

Patterns of epiphyseal fusion in the appendicular skeleton of the Iberian wild goat Capra pyrenaica, and comparisons with other Artiodactyla

Patterns of epiphyseal fusion in the appendicular skeleton of the Iberian wild goat Capra pyrenaica, and comparisons with other Artiodactyla

The influence of washing Spanish ibex ( Capra pyrenaica) sperm on the effects of cryopreservation in dependency of the photoperiod

Extenders containing low concentrations of egg yolk are recommended for cryopreserving ibex spermatozoa. However, the phylogenetic relationship of the Spanish ibex ( Capra pyrenaica) with domestic goats suggests that phospholipases in the seminal plasma may have a negative effect on the response to freezing-thawing when egg yolk–based diluents are employed. The aim of the current work was to determine how seminal plasma removal from Spanish ibex semen, collected by electroejaculation over a period of 1 yr, affects its response to freezing-thawing. Semen was collected from six adult ibexes maintained in captivity. The negative effects of freezing-thawing on the quality of sperm motility and on the integrity of the acrosome and plasma membrane were more serious in the nonwashed semen samples than in those from which the seminal plasma had been removed (P < 0.01, P < 0.05, and P < 0.05 respectively). The beneficial effect of removing the seminal plasma was particularly noticeable during the time of decreasing photoperiod. This suggests that ibex semen shows increased phospholipase activity during the rutting season.

Relationship between Iberian ibex (Capra pyrenaica) sperm quality and level of parasitism

This paper examines the relationship between parasite infection rates and reproductive function in wild Iberian ibexes. The animals examined were 43 adult males shot during the rutting season. Gastrointestinal and pulmonary nematodes, intestinal cestodes and intestinal coccidia were determined by coprological analysis. Protozoa in the muscles were detected by biopsy. Epididymal spermatozoa were collected from recovered testes. Sperm motility, the integrity of the plasma membrane, sperm viability, sperm morphology and acrosome integrity were all evaluated. Bronchopulmonary nematode larvae were detected with a prevalence of 100% (mean intensity 216.8 ± 65.8; index of dispersion 476.1, indicating an aggregated pattern). A negative correlation (R = -0.39; P < 0.05) was found between the shedding of larval lungworms and the percentage of sperm morphological abnormalities. Although directional relationships could not be identified, the present findings suggest that reproductive effort imposes a cost in terms of depressed parasite resistance.

Rickettsiae in ticks from wild ungulates of Sierra Nevada and Doñana national parks (Spain)

In recent years there have been several reports about the presence of new spotted fever group (SFG) Rickettsia in a geographic range [1,2]. The specific identification of the tick rickettsiae is established by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and DNA sequence of relevant rickettsial genes, particularly the outer membrane proteins genes (ompA and ompB), the citrate synthase (gltA) and the 16S rRNA genes [3,4]. The epidemiology of rickettsiae and rickettsial diseases in Andalusia (south Iberian Peninsula) is not well known. The purpose of this study was to identify and characterise SFG rickettsiae present in ticks from wild ungulates in two significant natural parks and surrounding areas situated in Andalusia (P.N. Sierra Nevada and Donana). The presence of Rickettsia in hard ticks was evaluated using molecular techniques (PCR amplification and sequencing) over a sample of 180 ticks of eight species (Ixodes ricinus Linnaeus, 1746, Haemaphysalis sulcata Canestrini and Fanzago, 1877, H. punctata Canestrini and Fanzago, 1877, Hyalomma lusitanicum Koch, 1844, Rh. turanicus Pomerantzev, 1940, Rh. bursa Canestrini and Fanzago, 1877, Rh. (Boophilus) annulatus (Say, 1821) and Dermacentor marginatus (Sulzer, 1776)) collected on 23 red deer, 5 fallow deer, 23 Iberian ibex and 32 wild boar during population control programmes in each national park during the years 2002–2003 (Table 1). D. marginatus, I. ricinus, Hy lusitanicum and Rh. bursa appeared in both natural spaces whereas Rh. annulatus and H. sulcata were restricted, respectively, to Donana and Sierra Nevada. DNA was extracted individually using the kit Nucleo Spin Tissue (MachereyNagel, Duren, Germany) and specific rickettsial sequences were detected by using PCR primers that amplify a portion of glta, ompA and ompB genes, respectively [3]. Positive PCR products were sequenced in a CEQ 2000XL capillary DNA sequencer (Beckman Coulter Life, Brea, CA, USA) according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Sequences were manually aligned and analysed with Bioedit and identified using the BLAST feature of GenBank. Overall, rickettsial DNA was detected in 51 (28.3%) of the examined ticks. Sequence analysis revealed that I. ricinus, captured on red deer, Iberian ibex and wild boar, were infected with R. monacensis, including strain IRS3, and R. helvetica (prevalences of 50.0% and 4.3%, respectively), while D. marginatus, mainly from wild boar, presents R. slovaca (13.9%) and R. raoultii (38.9%). R. massiliaewas found in one Rh. turanicus (prevalence of 20.0%) from Iberian ibex. H. sulcata, from Iberian ibex of Sierra Nevada, shows the presence (6 ⁄ 17, prevalence of 35.3%) of a still not described Rickettsia sp. that is closer to R. hoogstraalii.None of theH. punctata,Hy. lusitanicum, Rh. annulatus or Rh. bursa ticks studied contained rickettsiae. This study confirms the presence of several rickettsiae species in ticks affecting wild ungulates in the south of the Iberian Peninsula. Ticks infected with zoonotic Rickettsia species (R. slovaca, R. raoultii, R. helvetica and R. monacensis) could be maintained and dispersed by wild ungulates. The rickettsia detected in H. sulcata appears to have a distribution limited to mediumhigh Mediterranean mountain ranges. The high prevalence detected should be taken into consideration because elevated ungulate host and vector population densities will be related to an increase in the risk of transmission of these pathogens to the human population that lives, works or uses temporally these natural spaces. Corresponding author and reprint requests: F. J. Marquez, Dpto. Biologia Animal, Biologia Vegetal y Ecologia, Univ. Jaen, Campus Las Lagunillas s ⁄n, Jaen, 23071 – Jaen, Spain E-mail: jmarquez@ujaen.es

Sarcoptes scabiei: Specific immune response to sarcoptic mange in the Iberian ibex Capra pyrenaica depends on previous exposure and sex

Host acquired immunity is a critical factor that conditions the survival of parasites. Nevertheless, there is a shortage of data concerning inter-individual immunological inequalities in wild mammals. Sarcoptic mange is a widespread parasitosis that severely affects mammals such as the Iberian ibex ( Capra pyrenaica). Despite some work on the subject, the immune response to sarcoptic mange infestation is still a complex and poorly understood phenomenon. To improve knowledge of the host– Sarcoptes immunological interaction, 18 Iberian ibexes were experimentally infested. IgG levels were assessed using ELISA to test for potential factors determining the specific immune response to infestation. Previous exposure and sex appeared to affect the IgG response to infestation and our results suggest a sex-biased immunomodulation. We discuss the immunological pattern of host– Sarcoptes interactions and also suggest further lines of work that may improve the understanding of immunological interactions of host– Sarcoptes systems.

Influence of recovery method and microbial contamination on the response to freezing–thawing in ibex (Capra pyrenaica) epididymal spermatozoa

The method of sperm recovery may influence the initial quality of sperm samples and their response to freezing–thawing. The aim of the present work was to compare two methods for collecting epididymal spermatozoa in order to improve the quality of recovered sperm and reduce possible contamination. Testes were obtained from 23 legally hunted, adult ibex males. The sperm mass of the right epididymis was collected by small longitudinal and transverse cuts made in the cauda epididymidis. The sperm mass of the left epididymis was collected by retrograde flushing from the vas deferens to the cauda epididymidis (using a cannula), employing a Tris, citric acid, glucose, egg yolk-based medium. The flushing method recovered more spermatozoa (P<0.001) than the cutting method. After freezing–thawing, greater acrosomes damage (P<0.001) and more morphological abnormalities (P<0.05) were seen among the sperm cells recovered by the cutting method than among those obtained by retrograde flushing. The method of sperm recovery did not, however, influence the microbial contamination rate. In frozen–thawed samples that were microbially contaminated, motility was significantly reduced (P<0.05) and membrane integrity tended to be poorer (P=0.06). In conclusion, retrograde flushing is recommended for ibex sperm collection since it would appear that microbial contamination is no more of a problem than that encountered with the cutting method, while a larger number of sperm cells more resistant to freezing–thawing can be obtained.

Estudio in vitro de la fermentación ruminal de carbohidratos en cabra montés

SUMMARY The 48 h fermentation pattern of pectin, xylan and cellulose from rumen contents of males (MM), females (MH) and kids (MJ) of Spanish Ibex (SI) and from domestic goats (CD) was studied. There were no differences (p>0.05) among SI inocula in total gas production at any incubation time. Gas volume was higher (p<0.05) with all SI inocula than with CD, from 6 to 30 h, from 6 to 16 h and from 24 to 36 h with pectin, xylan and cellulose. The maximum rates of fermentation (ml/g per h) were manifested earlier and more abruptly for SI inocula with all substrates. Fermentative activity of rumen inocula from SI was not influenced by size or age of the donor animal, but it showed a higher level, with maximum rates at an earlier stage of incubation, than domestic goats.

Revival of Extinct Species Using Nuclear Transfer: Hope for the Mammoth, True for the Pyrenean Ibex, But Is It Time for “Conservation Cloning”?

Recent accomplishments in the fields of nuclear transfer and genomics, such as the cloned offspring production from frozen mouse cells, cryopreserved at not too low temperatures without cryoprotectors; or the sequencing of wooly mammoth genome, have opened the opportunity for the revival of extinct species. As expected, they are receiving a lot of publicity in the media and also scientific attention. Furthermore, it was recently published the "revival" of the first extinct subspecie: the Pyrenean ibex (Capra pyrenaica pyrenaica), a wild goat extinct in 2000. This strengthens the field of cloning as it had been tarnished by induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS) and other methods of reprogramming. However, for biological conservation purposes, cloning is not generally accepted as an alternative for animal conservation, and there is an ongoing debate between reproductive scientists and conservation specialists. Although we believe that nuclear transfer technologies have an opportunity in conservation efforts for some species that are on the brink of extinction and that population status, geographical isolation, reproductive characteristics, and human pressure create a situation that is almost unsustainable. In this article we discuss the barriers in cloning mammoths and cloning controversies in conservation from a zoological perspective, citing the species that might benefit from nuclear transfer techniques in the arduous journey so as not to disappear forever from this, our world.

Bronchopulmonary nematode infection of Capra pyrenaica in the Sierra Nevada massif, Spain

The present investigation examined the prevalence and abundance of bronchopulmonary nematodes in 213 randomly hunted Iberian ibexes ( Capra pyrenaica) (87 females and 126 males) in the Sierra Nevada mountain range in Spain between 2003 and 2006. Post mortem examination revealed an overall prevalence of 72% for adult nematodes ( Cystocaulus ocreatus 44%, Muellerius capillaris 44%, Protostrongylus sp. 40%, and Dictyocaulus filaria 4%). The abundances were 13.45 ± 3.97, 5.18 ± 2.49, 6.36 ± 2.16, and 2.27 ± 0.46, respectively. Protostrongylid adults showed similar infection rates, which were statistically different from that of D. filaria. 20% of the examined Iberian ibexes were infected by three protostrongylid nematodes species, 24% of C. pyrenaica were affected by two protostrongylid species, while infestations with only one protostrongylid species were detected in 20% of the examined animals. The overall prevalence of larvae nematodes in the examined animals was 100%, and the overall abundance (number of the first stage larvae per gram) was 86.45 ± 20.63. There was a high correlation between the two sets of data (adults and larvae). Results of the present investigation provided foundation for the effective control of bronchopulmonary nematode infection in Iberian ibex.

Cryopreservation of Spanish ibex ( Capra pyrenaica) sperm obtained by electroejaculation outside the rutting season

The effectiveness of electroejaculation for obtaining Spanish ibex sperm samples for freeze preserving outside the rutting season was evaluated—the aim being to optimise biological resources for the establishment of germplasm banks. The effect of different egg yolk concentrations (6% or 12%, v/v) in diluents of different buffer composition (Tris–citric acid buffer or Tes–Tris buffer) on frozen-thawed samples of the above also investigated. Experiments were undertaken with six ibex males in February–May, and involved four different semen samples from each animal with four combination of extender, respectively: Tes–Tris–glucose (TTG)–6% egg yolk, TTG–12% egg yolk, Tris–citric acid–glucose (TCG)–12% egg yolk, TCG–6% egg yolk. The results show that electroejaculation is a useful way of obtaining sperm samples from Spanish ibex outside the rutting season (i.e., at a time coinciding with plasma testosterone levels of <0.4 ng/ml). According to the results of the eosin–nigrosin staining and the hypo-osmotic swelling test, the freezing–thawing process significantly reduced the viability and membrane integrity of the spermatozoa extended with TTG–6% egg yolk, TTG–12% egg yolk, and TCG–12% egg yolk, but did not affect these variables in spermatozoa extended with TCG–6% egg yolk. Therefore, the use of Tris–citric acid-based extenders containing low concentrations of egg yolk is recommended for cryopreserving Spanish ibex spermatozoa obtained by electroejaculation outside the rutting season.

Human-Induced Range Expansion of Wild Ungulates Causes Niche Overlap between Previously Allopatric Species: Red Deer and Iberian Ibex in Mountainous Regions of Southern Spain

Game species exploitation usually causes an increase in their distribution, further from their own dispersal potential, but we know too little about the ecological effects that these human-induced expansions may produce. The realized niche of the red deer was analyzed by means of habitat suitability modelling in the present study. Two populations inhabiting different geographic areas have been distinguished according to their origin, one is native to the study area and the other was translocated as a result of human hunting interests. Translocated red deer showed strong distributional overlap with the native Iberian ibex. However, a comparative analysis of the potential distribution of native red deer and Iberian ibex populations did not yield a significant niche overlap. Thus, we conclude that the observed niche overlap between the Iberian ibex and the red deer in the study area would not have taken place without human intervention. We discuss these results in the light of biological invasions and native species translocation programmes, and conclude that human-induced range expansion of native species should be regarded as a specific case of invasive species.

First birth of an animal from an extinct subspecies ( Capra pyrenaica pyrenaica) by cloning

Two experiments have been performed to clone the bucardo, an extinct wild goat. The karyoplasts were thawed fibroblasts derived from skin biopsies, obtained and cryopreserved in 1999 from the last living specimen, a female, which died in 2000. Cytoplasts were mature oocytes collected from the oviducts of superovulated domestic goats. Oocytes were enucleated and coupled to bucardo's fibroblasts by electrofusion. Reconstructed embryos were cultured for 36 h or 7 d and transferred to either Spanish ibex or hybrid (Spanish ibex male × domestic goat) synchronized recipients. Embryos were placed, according to their developmental stage, into the oviduct or into the uterine horn ipsilateral to an ovulated ovary. Pregnancy was monitored through their plasmatic PAG levels. In Experiment 1, 285 embryos were reconstructed and 30 of them were transferred at the 3- to 6-cells stage to 5 recipients. The remaining embryos were further cultured to day 7, and 24 of them transferred at compact morula/blastocyst stage to 8 recipients. In Experiment 2, 154 reconstructed embryos were transferred to 44 recipients at the 3- to 6-cells stage. Pregnancies were attained in 0/8 and 7/49 of the uterine and oviduct-transferred recipients, respectively. One recipient maintained pregnancy to term, displaying very high PAG levels. One morphologically normal bucardo female was obtained by caesarean section. The newborn died some minutes after birth due to physical defects in lungs. Nuclear DNA confirmed that the clone was genetically identical to the bucardo's donor cells. To our knowledge, this is the first animal born from an extinct subspecies.