Descripción del proyecto
Hacia unos métodos eficaces de mejora genética en cautiverio para primates en peligro de extinción
En todo el mundo hay más de quinientas especies reconocidas de primates y casi la mitad de ellas está en peligro, o peligro crítico, de extinción. Muchas especies viven en zoológicos modernos que se han convertido en lugares esenciales para la conservación de los primates, ya que ahí pueden reproducirse en cautiverio. El bandro es uno de los veinticinco primates en mayor peligro de extinción del mundo y los esfuerzos para lograr su reproducción en cautiverio no han sido muy eficaces. El proyecto EnPrim, financiado con fondos europeos, va a realizar un estudio en diferentes zoológicos para identificar y replicar la firma química de fertilidad de la hembra de bandro, y probar así su efecto en el éxito del apareamiento y en el bienestar de los animales en cautiverio. El objetivo de la iniciativa es emplear métodos que integren la semioquímica de última generación con observaciones de comportamiento establecidas, endocrinología fecal y un innovador análisis de la microbiota intestinal fecal.
Objetivo
Of 504 primate species currently recognized worldwide, almost half are classified as endangered or critically endangered. Captive breeding is vital for primate conservation, with modern zoos serving a crucial role as ambassadors of endangered species, breeders of populations acting as buffers against extinction, and educators of the general public. However, captive populations may experience welfare issues that also undermine their breeding success. Particularly, zoo management is challenging because of the mismatch between natural and captive environments. The aye-aye (Daubentonia madagascariensis) is the only surviving species of the Daubentoniidae, the oldest family of the living lemurs, one of the 25 most endangered primates in the world, and currently showing a low success rate in captive breeding. This multi-zoo project aims to identify and reproduce the female aye-aye’s fertile chemical signature and then test its effects on the breeding success and welfare of three captive troops. We will meet these goals using methods that integrate cutting-edge semiochemistry with established behavioural observations and faecal endocrinology as well as innovative faecal gut microbiota analysis. This novel project will provide findings which should also entail quantifiable impact, such as best practices adopted by target zoos and extended to other institutions through amendments in management policies released by the Studbook Keeper and the Taxon Advisory Group Coordinator for the study species. The complementary expertise of the Fellow and the supervisory team make this project feasible and highly multidisciplinary. The training provided by the supervisor and the host organisation will contribute significantly to the profile of the Fellow, adding new methodological and scientific competences as well as complementary skills which will be imperative for the Fellow’s future career as an independent researcher.
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MSCA-IF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF)Coordinador
WV1 1LY Wolverhampton
Reino Unido