Ethical Analysis of the Application of Assisted Reproduction Technologies in Biodiversity Conservation and the Case of White Rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum) Ovum Pick-Up Procedures

Abstract

Originally applied on domestic and lab animals, assisted reproduction technologies (ARTs) have also found application in conservation breeding programs, where they can make the genetic management of populations more efficient, and increase the number of individuals per generation. However, their application in wildlife conservation opens up new ethical scenarios that have not yet been fully explored. This study presents a frame for the ethical analysis of the application of ART procedures in conservation based on the Ethical Matrix (EM), and discusses a specific case study—ovum pick-up (OPU) procedures performed in the current conservation efforts for the northern white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum cottoni)—providing a template for the assessment of ART procedures in projects involving other endangered species.

Application of decision tools to ethical analysis in biodiversity conservation

“…Oocyte harvesting from Najin and her daughter Fatu began on August 22, 2019. Interventions are planned with a minimum of 3 months pause between them to provide the animals with a safe interval to recover (Biasetti et al., 2022; de Mori et al., 2021). When the decision‐making process was started after the fourth procedure, further OPU procedures on Najin were suspended.…”

Assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) in Mithun (Bos frontalis): What progress has been made so far? An overview

“…Assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) have played an important role in bovine conservation breeding programmes and are found crucial in increasing the survivability of species that are functionally extinct or on the verge of extinction (Hildebrandt et al, 2021; Saragusty et al, 2016). ART has been exploited to a greater extent in domestic and wild animals (Biasetti et al, 2022; Hall et al, 2013; Lindeberg et al, 2021) with higher benefits. Implementation of reproductive biotechnologies such as semen cryopreservation, estrus synchronization, artificial insemination (AI), embryo transfer, in vitro embryo production and cloning has shown a positive impact in terms of shortening generation intervals and propagating genetic material among cattle populations (Rodriguez‐Martinez, 2012) and this was achieved by a thorough understanding of basic physiology of reproduction in cattle.…”

“…Assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) have played an important role in bovine conservation breeding programmes and are found crucial in increasing the survivability of species that are functionally extinct or on the verge of extinction (Hildebrandt et al, 2021;Saragusty et al, 2016). ART has been exploited to a greater extent in domestic and wild animals (Biasetti et al, 2022;Hall et al, 2013;Lindeberg et al, 2021) with higher benefits.…”

Historical development of the survivorship of zoo rhinoceroses—A comparative historical analysis

“…Highly professionally operating NGOs dedicated to rhino conservation exist, such as the International Rhino Foundation (http://www.rhinos.org) and Save the Rhino International (http://www.savetherhino.org). Conservation efforts range from attempts to rescue a basically extinct (sub)species, the Northern white rhino ( Ceratotherium simum cottoni ), via cryopreservation and in vitro reproduction (Biasetti et al, 2022; Callender, 2021; Ryder et al, 2020), to in situ breeding centers for the Sumatran rhino ( Dicerorhinus sumatrensis ) (Zafir et al, 2011), and, more generally, in situ protection programs for all species. Zoos, while maintaining these animals, generate awareness for the situation of rhinos and finances donated to in situ protection efforts, and also act as locations where rhino husbandry knowledge and skills are maintained and increased.…”