Register      Login
Wildlife Research Wildlife Research Society
Ecology, management and conservation in natural and modified habitats
RESEARCH ARTICLE

The use of deslorelin implants for the long-term contraception of lionesses and tigers

H. J. Bertschinger A D , M. A. de Barros Vaz Guimarães B , T. E. Trigg C and A. Human A
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Section of Reproduction, Department of Production Animal Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Private Bag X04, University of Pretoria, South Africa.

B Departamento de Reprodução Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil.

C Peptech Animal Health Pty Limited, Locked Bag No. 2053, Macquarie Park, NSW 2113, Australia.

D Corresponding author. Email: henk.bertschinger@up.ac.za

Wildlife Research 35(6) 525-530 https://doi.org/10.1071/WR07141
Submitted: 11 September 2007  Accepted: 27 March 2008   Published: 22 October 2008

Abstract

Contraception is an essential tool for controlling reproduction in captive and free-ranging lions. This paper describes the treatment and contraception of 23 captive and 40 free-ranging lionesses (Panthera leo) and four captive tigers (Panthera tigris) in South Africa using 3 × 4.7 mg, 2 × 4.7 mg, 9.4 mg or 4.7 + 9.4 mg deslorelin implants. Thirty-one lionesses were treated more than once at 11- to 60-month intervals. In Brazil, two lionesses were treated with 9.4-mg implants and faecal progesterone and oestradiol concentrations were monitored for 920 days. All combinations of deslorelin showed the length of contraception to be around 30 months with one 3 × 4.7 mg treatment lasting 40 months in one captive lioness. The mean time taken to reconception was 30.1 months for the 3 × 4.7 mg combination. The faecal analyses of the lionesses in Brazil reflected quiescent ovarian activity for periods of 17 and 30 months, respectively, when small oestradiol peaks but no progesterone peaks started to appear. This confirmed the field observations in South Africa. No side effects occurred although several of the lionesses were treated repeatedly for up to 8 years. Deslorelin (Suprelorin) is a safe and effective means of controlling reproduction in captive or free-ranging populations of lions. Where contraception is to be maintained, the implementation of implants at 24-month intervals is recommended.


Acknowledgements

The Johannesburg and São Paulo Zoos and National Zoological Gardens of South Africa are thanked as well as the following private game reserves and parks: Thornybush, Mabula, Makalali, Entabeni, Welgevonden, Lion Park and Lion and Rhino Park.


References

Bertschinger, H. J. , Asa, C. S. , Calle, P. P. , Long, J. A. , Bauman, K. , DeMatteo, K. , Jöchle, W. , Trigg, T. E. , and Human, A. (2001). Control of reproduction and sex related behaviour in exotic wild carnivores with the GnRH analogue deslorelin: preliminary observations. Journal of Reproduction and Fertility 57(Suppl.), 275–283.
CAS | PubMed | Brown J. L. , Wasser S. K. , Howard J. , Wells S. , Lang K. , et al (1993). Development and utility of fecal progesterone analysis to assess reproductive status in felids. In ‘Proceedings of the Congress of American Association of Zoo Veterinarians, St. Louis, 10–15 October 1993’. (Ed. R. E. Junge.) pp. 273–276. (Omni Press: Lawrence, KS.)

Brown, J. L. , Wasser, S. K. , Wildt, D. E. , and Graham, L. H. (1994). Comparative aspects of steroid hormone metabolism and ovarian activity in felids, measured noninvasively in feces. Biology of Reproduction 51, 776–786.
Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | CAS | PubMed | Munson L. (2001). Health risks of contraceptives in wildlife. In ‘Proceedings of the 5th International Symposium on Fertility Control in Wildlife Skukuza, Kruger National Park, 19–22 August 2001’. (Eds H. J. Bertschinger and J. F. Kirkpatrick.) pp. 12–13.

Munson, L. , Bauman, J. E. , Asa, C. S. , Jöchle, W. , and Trigg, T. E. (2001). Efficacy of the GnRH analogue deslorelin for suppression of oestrous cycles in cats. Journal of Reproduction and Fertility 57(Suppl.), 269–273.
CAS | PubMed | Munson L. , Moresco A. , and Calle P. P. (2005). Adverse effects of contraceptives. In ‘Wildlife Contraception’. (Eds C. S. Asa and I. J. Porton.) pp. 66–82. (The John Hopkins University Press: Baltimore, MD.)

Smithers R. H. N. (Ed.) (1983). Panther leo. In ‘The Mammals of the Southern African Region’. pp. 374–381. (University of Pretoria: Pretoria.)

Trigg, T. E. , Wright, P. J. , Armour, A. F. , Williamson, P. E. , Junaidi, A. , Martin, G. B. , Doyle, A. G. , and Walsh, J. (2001). Use of a GnRH analogue implant to produce reversible long-term suppression of reproductive function of male and female domestic dogs. Journal of Reproduction and Fertility 57(Suppl.), 255–261.
CAS | PubMed |

Viau, P. , Felippe, E. C. G. , and Oliveira, C. A. (2005). Quantificação de esteróides fecais de fêmeas de onça-pintada (Panthera onca) mantidas em cativeiro: validação da técnica. Brazilian Journal of Veterinary Research and Animal Science 42, 262–270.


Wright, P. J. , Verstegen, J. P. , Onclin, K. , Jöchle, W. , Armour, A. F. , Martin, G. B. , and Trigg, T. E. (2001). Suppression of the oestrous responses of bitches to the GnRH analogue deslorelin by progestin. Journal of Reproduction and Fertility 57(Suppl.), 263–268.
CAS | PubMed |