African wild dogs will soon have their own sperm bank – how artificial breeding will help them survive

© Bruce CROSSEY

Scientists at the Institute for Breeding Rare and Endangered African Mammals, in collaboration with the Mammal Research Institute, are striving to protect endangered African wild dogs. As the species faces habitat loss and disease threats, the team are pioneering a novel approach to conserve wild dogs: freezing sperm from genetically diverse males for artificial insemination. This breakthrough aims to bolster genetic diversity, crucial for survival in fragmented habitats. With high hopes for disease resilience and population sustainability, this innovative method offers a cost-effective solution to conserve this iconic species, promising to revolutionize wildlife conservation strategies and secure a brighter future for African wild dogs.

Read more about this groundbreaking inititiave in an article written by MRI Fellow Dr Damien Paris in The Conversation here.