Assisted Reproduction in Captive Wild Felids

Abstract

<p>Today many species of animals are threatened or endangered. The primary threat to their numbers is loss of habitat in the face of a rapidly growing human population. No real wilderness areas remain. There are only islands of rainforest or grasslands surrounded by grazing pastures~ roads~ and cities. These isolated breeding populations face the deleterious effects of inbreeding. As popular public attractions, species of the family felidae have become a center point for promoting conservation efforts. There are thirty-seven species in the family felidae. Only the domestic cat is not threatened or endangered.</p>