scholarly journals Fertility Control for Wildlife Management The Brushtail Possum in New Zealand

2006 ◽  
Vol 22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Phil Cowan ◽  
Janine Duckworth ◽  
Xianlan Cui ◽  
Frank Molinia ◽  
Werner Lubitz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Wildlife Management ◽  
Fertility Control ◽  
Brushtail Possum

High levels of variability in immune response using antigens from two reproductive proteins in brushtail possums

2005 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
Janine E. Deakin ◽  
Katherine Belov ◽  
Natalie C. Curach ◽  
Peter Green ◽  
Desmond W. Cooper
Keyword(s):  
Immune Response ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Fertility Control ◽  
Tammar Wallaby ◽  
Brushtail Possum ◽  
Reproductive Proteins ◽  
Keyhole Limpet Haemocyanin ◽  
Carrier Molecule ◽  
High Level

Immune-based fertility control is being considered as an effective long-term approach for controlling the pest brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) population in New Zealand. This relies heavily on the immune response of each immunised possum. A strong and lasting immune response in the majority of individuals in a population is essential. In this study, possums and the model macropod species, the tammar wallaby (Macropus eugenii) were immunised with either a luteinising hormone or androgen receptor synthetic peptide coupled to the carrier molecule KLH (keyhole limpet haemocyanin). The antibody response of wallabies to the antigens was relatively uniform. In contrast, the possum immunoglobulin response to both synthetic peptides and KLH was variable. The apparent high level of variation in the immune response of possums raises questions about the feasibility of using these two antigens to control possum numbers in New Zealand.

scholarly journals Ecology of a brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) population at Castlepoint in the Wairarapa, New Zealand

2019 ◽  
Vol 43 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ron Jackson ◽  
D.U. Pfeiffe ◽  
T Porphyre ◽  
C Sauter-Louis ◽  
L.A.L. Corner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Brushtail Possum ◽  
Trichosurus Vulpecula

Managing problem wildlife in the ‘Old World’: a veterinary perspective

1997 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 17 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Artois
Keyword(s):  
Wildlife Management ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Fertility Control ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Pest Species ◽  
Game Species ◽  
Domestic Species ◽  
Stray Dog ◽  
Methods Of Control

This paper focuses on mammalian pest species mainly in Europe and Africa and on implications for animal health, human safety, wildlife management and animal welfare. Three examples of problem species are presented: the wild boar (Sus scrofa), the stray dog (Canis familiaris) and the red fox (Vulpes vulpes). Several species are reservoirs or vectors of transmissible diseases of man and of economically valuable domestic species. The control of these and other infections and the limitation of the nuisance or damage caused by these pest species involves lethal or non-lethal methods which are briefly reviewed. Some control measures require veterinary expertise, and veterinary involvement in managing problem species is likely to increase. With regard to fertility control, methods are considered which will allow an appropriate choice of the best technique for the management of problem animals in various habitats. For desirable native species, traditional methods of control, especially hunting in the case of game species, is preferable to contraception. For exotic or feral species, control of fertility seems to be a worthwhile option.

Discussion session: Prospects and challenges

1997 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 179
Keyword(s):  
Wildlife Management ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Fertility Control ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Pest Species ◽  
Game Species ◽  
Domestic Species ◽  
Stray Dog ◽  
Methods Of Control

This paper focuses on mammalian pest species mainly in Europe and Africa and on implications for animal health, human safety, wildlife management and animal welfare. Three examples of problem species are presented: the wild boar (Sus scrofa), the stray dog (Canis familiaris) and the red fox (Vulpes vulpes). Several species are reservoirs or vectors of transmissible diseases of man and of economically valuable domestic species. The control of these and other infections and the limitation of the nuisance or damage caused by these pest species involves lethal or non-lethal methods which are briefly reviewed. Some control measures require veterinary expertise, and veterinary involvement in managing problem species is likely to increase. With regard to fertility control, methods are considered which will allow an appropriate choice of the best technique for the management of problem animals in various habitats. For desirable native species, traditional methods of control, especially hunting in the case of game species, is preferable to contraception. For exotic or feral species, control of fertility seems to be a worthwhile option.

scholarly journals Fertility control to mitigate human–wildlife conflicts: a review

2014 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giovanna Massei ◽  
Dave Cowan
Keyword(s):  
Population Growth ◽  
Wildlife Management ◽  
Population Level ◽  
Fertility Control ◽  
Public Consultation ◽  
Human Populations ◽  
Wildlife Diseases ◽  
Isolated Populations ◽  
Wild Mammals ◽  
Practical Applications

As human populations grow, conflicts with wildlife increase. Concurrently, concerns about the welfare, safety and environmental impacts of conventional lethal methods of wildlife management restrict the options available for conflict mitigation. In parallel, there is increasing interest in using fertility control to manage wildlife. The present review aimed at analysing trends in research on fertility control for wildlife, illustrating developments in fertility-control technologies and delivery methods of fertility-control agents, summarising the conclusions of empirical and theoretical studies of fertility control applied at the population level and offering criteria to guide decisions regarding the suitability of fertility control to mitigate human–wildlife conflicts. The review highlighted a growing interest in fertility control for wildlife, underpinned by increasing numbers of scientific studies. Most current practical applications of fertility control for wild mammals use injectable single-dose immunocontraceptive vaccines mainly aimed at sterilising females, although many of these vaccines are not yet commercially available. One oral avian contraceptive, nicarbazin, is commercially available in some countries. Potential new methods of remote contraceptive delivery include bacterial ghosts, virus-like particles and genetically modified transmissible and non-transmissible organisms, although none of these have yet progressed to field testing. In parallel, new species-specific delivery systems have been developed. The results of population-level studies of fertility control indicated that this approach may increase survival and affect social and spatial behaviour of treated animals, although the effects are species- and context-specific. The present studies suggested that a substantial initial effort is generally required to reduce population growth if fertility control is the sole wildlife management method. However, several empirical and field studies have demonstrated that fertility control, particularly of isolated populations, can be successfully used to limit population growth and reduce human–wildlife conflicts. In parallel, there is growing recognition of the possible synergy between fertility control and disease vaccination to optimise the maintenance of herd immunity in the management of wildlife diseases. The review provides a decision tree that can be used to determine whether fertility control should be employed to resolve specific human–wildlife conflicts. These criteria encompass public consultation, considerations about animal welfare and feasibility, evaluation of population responses, costs and sustainability.

Brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) in metropolitan Sydney: population biology and response to Suprelorin contraceptive implants

2013 ◽  
Vol 61 (1) ◽  
pp. 78 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Eymann ◽  
D. W. Cooper ◽  
C. A. Herbert
Keyword(s):  
Urban Areas ◽  
Population Biology ◽  
Local Population ◽  
Fertility Control ◽  
Main Peak ◽  
Brushtail Possum ◽  
Trichosurus Vulpecula ◽  
Management Options ◽  
Contraceptive Implants ◽  
Over Time

The cohabitation of the common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) with people in urban areas often causes conflict. Basic biological parameters are needed to evaluate potential new management options such as fertility control. This study investigated the biology of an urban brushtail possum population and the effects of Suprelorin contraceptive implants on individual females within that population. Trapping success remained constant over time, with 2.8 ± 0.2 individuals trapped per residential property. Recapture rates for males declined rapidly over time, with only 30% of males recaptured on the same property 12 months after initial capture (n = 30) and no males recaptured after 18 months (compared with female recapture rates of 58% after 18 months, n = 33). These data, combined with the preponderance of males observed within the lower age classes, suggests that male possum turnover is high within urban areas. This may be partially compensated for by the male-bias (1.8 : 1) observed in pouch young. Breeding was seasonal with the main peak of births in autumn, and a secondary smaller peak in spring. Suprelorin contraceptive treatment effectively inhibited reproduction in adult females for a minimum duration of 519 ± 7 (n = 5) and ≥700 ± 20 (n = 5) days after administration of one or two 4.7-mg implants, respectively, with no negative side-effects obvious. The concurrent collection of data on contraceptive efficacy and population-specific life-history parameters provides a unique opportunity to highlight the importance of understanding local population dynamics when evaluating the likely efficacy and implementation of fertility control programs to manage problem wildlife.

The Fertility Transition in the Non-Maori Population of New Zealand

1980 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 165-178
Author(s):  
A. V. Zodgekar
Keyword(s):  
Social Change ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Fertility Transition ◽  
Demographic Factors ◽  
Fertility Control ◽  
Second Stage ◽  
The World ◽  
The 1960S ◽  
Socio Demographic Factors ◽  
Age Of Marriage

SummaryThis investigation traces the evolution of non-Maori fertility in New Zealand from 1860 to the mid-1970s. The fertility transition took place in four distinct stages, and socio-demographic factors of differing importance in fertility are suggested. During the period 1860–80, an initial decline in fertility was achieved by postponing the age of marriage. The second stage, of increasing control over fertility within marriage and postponement of marriage, ended gradually by the 1910s. Between the world wars and until the 1950s, fertility control within marriage became more universal. Finally, from the 1960s, fertility has declined as a result of many complex changes in social and economic spheres, the major social change with demographic implications being undoubtedly the new rolesof women.This paper also deals with the changing pattern of fertility by using both the period and cohort rates of fertility.

scholarly journals 208.Zona pellucida vaccines for fertility control of brushtail possums in New Zealand

2004 ◽  
Vol 16 (9) ◽  
pp. 208
Author(s):  
J. A. Duckworth ◽  
X. Cui ◽  
F. C. Molinia ◽  
W. Lubitz ◽  
P. E. Cowan
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Immune Responses ◽  
Zona Pellucida ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Peptide Identification ◽  
Fertility Control ◽  
Early Embryo ◽  
Health Board ◽  
Ongoing Research ◽  
Contraceptive Vaccine

Introduced marsupial brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) are a major pest in New Zealand because of their impacts on conservation values and agricultural production. Immunologically-based fertility control (immunocontraception) offers an effective and humane alternative approach to possum management. The zona pellucida (ZP) is an extracellular coat around all mammalian eggs and an attractive target for the development of immunocontraceptive vaccines. Antibodies against ZP are ovary-specific and act by preventing sperm from binding and penetrating the ova and/or by disrupting the development of follicles or early embryo. The aim of these studies was to test the efficacy of possum-derived ZP antigens for their ability to elicit sustained immune responses and cause infertility, and to assess a range of options for development of a bait-delivered contraceptive vaccine. Alloimmunisation with possum ZP2 and ZP3 proteins showed that self-ZP antigens elicited strong humoral immune responses and reduced the fertility of female possums by 72-80%. Several potentially possum-specific immunocontraceptive peptides have been identified by linear epitope mapping and amino acid alignment and are being tested for their ability to reduce fertility. Recent trials have demonstrated that possums mount immune responses against ZP antigens delivered in transgenic plants and bacterial ghosts. Research on antigen and specific peptide identification, non-target effects and delivery systems is ongoing. Research supported by NZ Foundation for�Research Science & Technology, Marsupial CRC and NZ Animal Health Board.

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