Reproductive Research in Spix’s Macaw(Cyanopsitta spixii) at Al Wabra Wildlife Preservation (AWWP)
Spix’s Macaw isthe most critically endangered parrot in the world, likely to be extinct in wild. Currently 73 birds are registered in the International Breeding Program managed by the Brazilian Government, 54 of theseare at AWWP.
Breeding the Spix’s macaw has proven challenging and the species is far from being well established in captivity. Theirlack of genetic diversity may be causing a significant impact on their reproductive success. Therefore, comprehensive knowledge on the reproductive aspects plays an important role for the future of this species andany attempts to return them back to the wild. This poster aims to give some background information on the reproductive research ongoing at AWWP.
Reproductive hormone research,through faecal analysis, has the following objectives:
-identify the hormonal differences between breeding and non-breeding pairs
-identify differences between pairs which laid infertile, non-developing or viable eggs
-verify if the stress (through cortisol levels) may be affecting the reproductive success
-ascertain the effectiveness of hormone therapy in male Spix’s macaws
We have successfully validated testosterone, estrogen, progesterone and cortisol for male and female Spix’s macaws. All samples collected from males which received hormone therapy in 2008 have been analyzed, as well as samples collected from pairs throughout the 2010 breeding season. There are significant differencesin reproductive hormone levels between breeding and non-breeding pairs; however more data is necessary to understand the effects of stress and to find out if there are differences between pairs that laid infertile, non-developing or viable eggs.
Egg analysis research discriminates infertility from early embryonic mortality. Anin-situ search for spermatozoa in the perivitelline layer of an eggcan tell us if successful copulation occurred and enlightenssperm quality and quantity by comparing sperm count and morphology with other samples. Microscopic examination of the germinal disc for the presence or absence of cell nuclei tells us if an egg was fertilized. Out of 42 non-developing eggs analyzed in 2010, 18 eggsshowed early embryonicdeath.Threeof 22 infertile eggs contained spermatozoa.
Sperm analysis research, through the non-invasive procedure of collecting fluid from fresh faecal samplesduring the breeding season,has the objective to determine spermatozoa quality based on count and morphology. Moreover, the presence of spermatozoa in faecal samples from female Spix’s macaws can confirm that successful copulation occurred.
Artificial insemination has the potential, if successfully applied, to significantly increase Spix’s macaw reproduction. Two methods are being explored; the traditional technique of inseminating sperm into the cloaca of the female and an experimental technique of injecting sperm directly into the germinal disc of an infertile egg.