Journal article
Sex determination in-ovo as a population managementtool for the Southern Cassowary and Coastal Emu
Northern Territory Naturalist, Vol.29, pp.57-74
2019
Abstract
Australia has lost two species and one subspecies of ratite due to historical persecution andanthropogenic changes to their habitats. Two additional ratites, the Southern Cassowary(Casuarius casuarius johnsonii) and Coastal Emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae), are followingthis trajectory and will require human intervention to prevent further population declineor extinction. Advanced reproductive technologies offer promising avenues for themanagement of genetic and demographic diversity, both in-situ and ex-situ. Here, wereview two important techniques and their efficacy in the conservation management ofAustralian ratites. The first is the sexing of an embryo in-ovo. This technique is centralto developing technologies, however, is presently problematic in species producingthick and heavily pigmented eggs (i.e. Cassowary and Emu). Developments includingthe reduction of the shell membrane may promote light refraction and thus render thetechnique able to be used safely with developing embryos of Australian ratites. Thesupplementation of natural hormone during early embryonic development is anothertool for sex regulation in ratite embryos. This was previously trialled in the Ostrich toinfluence a preferred gonadal sex, however, it will be trialled in the Emu and Cassowaryfor the first time. The use of these advanced reproductive technologies will complementcurrent conservation efforts for Australian ratites, and facilitate the establishment andmaintenance of robust captive populations.
Details
- Title
- Sex determination in-ovo as a population managementtool for the Southern Cassowary and Coastal Emu
- Authors
- Clancy A Hall (Author) - University of the Sunshine CoastDominique A Potvin (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Science and Engineering - Legacy
- Publication details
- Northern Territory Naturalist, Vol.29, pp.57-74
- Publisher
- Northern Territory Field Naturalists Club Inc.
- Date published
- 2019
- ISSN
- 0155-4093; 0155-4093
- Organisation Unit
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; Academic Support Unit; School of Science, Technology and Engineering; Centre for Bioinnovation
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99513893302621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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