Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

The Development Of Contraceptive Methods For Captive Wildlife, Cheryl S. Asa

Contraception in Wildlife Management

Contraception has become critical in managing zoo populations, both to limit production of surplus animals and to promote genetic health. One role of the Contraception Advisory Group, formed in 1989, is to coordinate research to develop new contraceptive methods. Because melengestrol acetate (MGA) implants, which have been used by zoos for almost 20 years, recently have been associated with uterine pathology in felids, several new contraceptive techniques are being evaluated. These include other steroid hormone formulations, such as the birth control pill Depo-Provers®, the Norplant® implant, and MGA added to feed; bisdiamine, an oral male contraceptive; zona pellucida (ZP) vaccine; …