Contraception for population control in exotic carnivores.

摘要: There is an increasing demand for management of feral and wild carnivores; since many them have become "pest species" by adapting successfully to changing environments, having substantial impacts on their prey species, serving as reservoirs infectious diseases. Also in captivity, a low adult mortality increase longevity, especially large carnivores, cause urgent need population management. This paper presents overview contraceptive strategies control reproduction carnivores. Factors that be considered before applying certain method fertility suppression are discussed. For birth control, several methods hormonal chemosterilization, immunocontraception pregnancy termination been developed domestic captive exotic but none yet suitable free-ranging animals. GnRH agonists, which suppress pituitary function very efficiently, recommended animals reversible contraception. Immunological contraception, causing prolonged infertility after single application, promising approach However, specific gamete or hormone-derived "self" antigen must identified each particular species.