Scientists from the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Fossil Rim Wildlife Center Study Cheetah Reproduction

Conservationists Hope to Discover Clues About The Reproductive Physiology of Endangered Species

GLEN ROSE (April 25, 2006) – Scientists expect to learn more about the effects of aging on female cheetah reproduction from a 3-day study, conducted last week at the Fossil Rim Wildlife Center. The research team, which consisted of scientists from the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Fossil Rim, examined ovarian activity and hormone levels of several female cheetahs at the site. Fossil Rim’s successful cheetah breeding program coupled with the National Zoo’s expertise in cheetah reproductive physiology, made the partnership a natural fit.

“We’re excited to work with the National Zoo in pioneering this critical conservation study,” said Mary Jo Stearns, Fossil Rim Carnivore Supervisor. ”The survival of this truly remarkable and beautiful species depends on the success of these partnerships.”

Scientists involved in the project are studying three age classes of female cheetahs in an effort to better understand the compromised ovarian activity usually found in older females. In addition to using ultrasound technology to assess uterine health, scientists are evaluating oocyte (egg) quality and monitoring hormones, all of which will expand the knowledge of cheetah reproduction.

In order to breed successfully, cheetahs have several requirements, including large yards, multiple choices of mates, and specific diets. Cheetah reproduction is made even more difficult due to the animal’s limited gene diversity. In the wild, encroachment by humans, loss of prey base and habitat, and competition with larger predators has threatened the animals’ survival.

“Partnerships such as these make an enormous impact on our ability to save endangered and threatened species. A better understanding of cheetah physiology will eventually lead to better reproductive techniques that may be applicable in the wild,” said Dr. Jo Gayle Howard, one of the project’s scientists from the Smithsonian’s National Zoo.

About Fossil Rim: The not-for-profit Fossil Rim Wildlife Center is a 1,800 acre facility that specializes in captive-breeding programs for endangered and threatened animal species. Fossil Rim is located in Glen Rose, Texas, southwest of the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area. To help fund its award-winning conservation efforts, Fossil Rim operates a scenic wildlife drive that is open to the public. The 2-4 hour drive offers a unique opportunity for visitors, in all weather across all seasons, to closely observe more than 50 species of wild animals living in a near-natural environment, as well as enjoy a café and gift store. Fossil Rim partners in international species survival and recovery efforts for 14 endangered species of regional, national and international importance. Fossil Rim is approximately a one-hour drive from Fort Worth, a two-hour drive from Dallas, a three-hour drive from Austin and a four-hour drive from Houston. For more information call (254) 897-2960.

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