Human reproductive scientists apply skills to African mammal conservation
15 April 2008
Scientists expert in the field of human reproduction have turned their attention to one of Africa’s rarest and most iconic carnivores, the Ethiopian wolf. Though it has eluded captivity, the 400 remaining wolves have not escaped the attention of reproductive biologist Professor Bob Millar, Director of the Medical Research Council Reproductive Sciences Unit in Edinburgh and founder of the Institute for Breeding Rare and Endangered African Mammals (IBREAM).
Together with partners the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland and the Lapalala Wilderness nature reserve in South Africa, Professor Millar will launch IBREAM, a unique collaboration between human reproductive scientists and experts in wild mammal conservation, at Edinburgh Zoo’s new Chimpanzee Budongo Trail on 17 April.
Ethiopian wolves
The Institute aims to apply assisted reproduction techniques, originally developed to help infertile people, to boost the population of African mammal species whose falling numbers threaten extinction. The pygmy hippopotamus, African wild dog, black rhino and white rhino also feature in the first IBREAM research projects.
White rhino
In each study, scientists will try to figure out how assisted reproduction techniques could be used to complement other conservation efforts, although their early focus will be to learn about the reproductive physiology of the species they are working with. Only when the animals’ reproductive cycles are understood can attempts be made to apply techniques like artificial insemination and IVF.
There are puzzles to be solved, for example, why are fewer male pygmy hippopotamus born compared with female infants? Does the presence of a male dog influence the ovarian cycles of female African wild dogs, and does the dominant female suppress ovarian cycles in subordinate females. Will the hormones in the faeces of a female Ethiopian wolf change when a frisky male is around?
An African wild dog
IBREAM is providing funding for PhD students to tackle some of these questions. The scientists will collaborate with staff at the Lapalala Wilderness nature reserve in the Limpopo Province of South Africa.
Speaking ahead of the IBREAM launch, Professor Millar said:
‘‘I’m delighted scientists will be able to share their knowledge through IBREAM projects to build an understanding of the reproductive biology of these endangered species so that we can apply assisted reproduction techniques to complement other African mammal conservation efforts. Our collaborations with the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland and the Lapalala Wilderness reserve will help IBREAM to achieve this.’’
David Windmill, Chief Executive of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland said:
"We are delighted to be involved in the IBREAM partnership. We bring not just our animal management and conservation skills but the opportunity to bring this groundbreaking research to over 600,000 people every year."
Visit the MRC podcast page to listen to an interview with Professor Bob Millar.
About IBREAM
The Institute for Breeding Rare and Endangered African Mammals aims to contribute to conservation of rare and endangered African mammals in three ways:
1. Basic research of the animals’ reproductive biology to better understand breeding problems they encounter
2. Through integration of the work of IBREAM scientists with other conservation efforts
3. By contributing to education and outreach programmes involving people who live close to the wild animals’ habitat to build capacity for conservation work at a local level.
For more information about IBREAM projects visit the website: www.ibream.org
IBREAM Partners
The MRC Human Reproductive Sciences Unit is the UK's leading institution undertaking research into reproductive health having integrated programmes on infertility, contraception and hormone-dependent diseases. The Unit is a strategic investment by the MRC in the field of reproductive health. URL: www.hrsu.mrc.ac.uk
Lapalala Wilderness has an ecological mission to conserve and maintain the biodiversity of the reserve, especially the unspoiled river frontage, while providing a sanctuary for the breeding of endangered animals, in particular white and black rhino. URL: www.lapalala.com
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland at Edinburgh Zoo is one of Europe's leading centres of conservation, education and research. The Society works collectively with conservation agencies and other zoos in the UK, Europe and around the world in coordinated conservation programmes, to help ensure the survival of many threatened animal species. It also supports various conservation projects in the wild through funding and expertise. Website: www.rzss.org.uk
Press contact
Telephone: 020 7637 6011
Email: press.office@headoffice.mrc.ac.uk
