Review of contraception in ungulate species
Abstract 10.1002/zoo.20154.abs Most ungulate species are herd animals. In captivity, and increasingly so in the wild, space constraints limit natural behaviors associated with group dynamics, possibly resulting in inbreeding and/or overpopulation. This situation has necessitated research regarding contraception of various species of hoofstock. Differing management situations mandate different contraception protocols to achieve optimal results. Fertility […]
Egg fertility among vasectomized and non-vasectomized male resident Canada geese at the Wildlife Conservation Park/Bronx Zoo
Abstract 10.1002/(SICI)1098-2361(2000)19:13.3.CO;2-2 In 1991, a vasectomy program was initiated at the Wildlife Conservation Park/Bronx Zoo to minimize the population growth of resident Canada geese (Branta canadensis). Sixty-nine males were vasectomized over a 6-year period. From 1994 to 1998, egg fertility was examined in females paired with vasectomized and non-vasectomized geese. Of the 340 eggs laid […]
The effects of immunocontraception on harem fidelity in a feral horse (Equus caballus) population
Feral horses on Shackleford Banks Island, North Carolina, are managed by the National Park Service in order to reduce their impact on the fragile barrier island ecosystem. Management techniques include removal of young horses and immunocontraception of many of the mares using Porcine Zona Pellucida immunocontraceptive. This immunocontraceptive reduces the number of horses that need […]
Welfare implications of culling red deer (Cervus Elaphus)
In southwestern England, red deer, Cervus elaphus, are culled by rifle (‘stalking’) or by hunting with hounds (‘hunting’). We compare the welfare costs of the two culling methods. Observations of hunts revealed that likely stressors such as close proximity to humans and hounds, active pursuit, noise, obstruction and physical restraint prior to despatch were very […]
Fertility Control: An Option for Non-Lethal Control of Wild Carnivores?
Three types of fertility control, surgical sterilization, hormonal chemosterilization, and immunosterilization, are reviewed with regard to their potential for controlling problematic populations of carnivores. The fertility control agent and delivery protocol of choice may vary considerably according to: (i) the reason for control; (ii) the degree, urgency and duration of population reduction required; (iii) concerns […]
Stability of breeding and non-breeding groups of golden-headed lion tamarins (Leontopithecus chrysomelas)
In Callitrichid primates, offspring remain in their natal group beyond the age of sexual maturity, increasing the group’s inclusive fitness by cooperatively rearing their siblings. Contraception of the dominant female in these groups may alter the associated costs and benefits of this cooperative rearing in such a way that offspring themselves attempt to breed when […]
Impact of a Subsidized Spay Neuter Clinic on Impoundments and Euthanasia in a Community Shelter and on Service and Complaint Calls to Animal Control
Reducing the number of homeless, nonhuman animals entering and being euthanatized in community shelters is the principal motivation for most spay/neuter (S/N) programs in the United States. This study evaluated the impact of a subsidized S/N clinic opened in 2005 in Transylvania County, North Carolina, on the numbers of impoundments (and euthanasia) of dogs and […]
Understanding Attitudes Toward the Control of Nonnative Wild and Feral Mammals: Similarities and Differences in the Opinions of the General Public, Animal Protectionists, and Conservationists in New Zealand (Aotearoa)
Lethal control is used extensively in New Zealand to control nonnative nonhuman mammals. Respondents were surveyed about 8 mammal groups considered pests and their attitudes toward their control and pest status. They also identified the most appropriate method of control for the 8 different mammals. Information was gathered from 3 groups of respondents: nonhuman animal […]
Behavioral effects of an immunocontraceptive vaccine on eastern fox squirrels
Managing pest species in urban and suburban areas is challenging, and contraception may provide a socially acceptable and effective management option for many species. The immunocontraceptive vaccine, GonaCon, effectively inhibits reproduction in many species of wildlife, but the behavioral effects are not yet well understood. Contraceptive-induced changes in behavior could raise animal welfare concerns and […]
Changing Attitudes and Animal Welfare in Small Island Developing States: Dogs on New Providence, The Bahamas
This article compares results from a study in 2014 with a similar study from 1998 (Fielding, 1999) to examine changes in the care of dogs in New Providence, The Bahamas. The results from a survey of 379 residents indicated a general lack of improvement in matters associated with the care of dogs during the past […]