Development and Application of Assisted Reproductive Technologies in Marsupials: Their Value for Conservation of Rock-wallabies.

Abstract

Assisted reproductive technology is used routinely in management to treat infertility and in domestic species in basic husbandry. In eutherian mammals application of this technology is also well established in wildlife conservation programs. The development and application of this technology in marsupials, however, is a relatively new field. The reproductive techniques currently available for marsupial studies, their benefits and implications for conservation are discussed in order to remove any previous misconceptions and provide an insight into how these techniques might be applied. The potential of this technology for maintaining genetic variability and enhancing reproductive output of threatened marsupial species is highlighted, with particular reference to the conservation of rock wallabies.