Stakes, limits and prospects of assisted reproduction for species conservation ; Enjeux, limités et perspectives de la reproduction assistée dans la conservation des espèces

Nowadays, the biodiversity of our planet faces what we call “the sixth mass extinction”, which is caused mainly by human activity. During the past 500 years, it was held responsible for the disappearance of 869 animal and vegetal species. For this situation is alarming, different actors of species conservation gathered at a global scale. The plan of action implemented is focused on a holistic approach joining the efforts of ex situ and in situ fields of conservation as well as highlighting the genetic management of populations and promoting scientific research. Since the 1980’s, assisted reproduction technologies have raised the awareness of the wildlife scientific community while already well developed in human and large animals medicine. It represents an unprecedented opportunity to sharpen population and individual management to rule out the threat of extinction. The main difficulty concerning the implementation of these techniques is the lack of knowledge about the wild species of interest. The conception of a successful protocol implies a solid understanding of the anatomy and thephysiology of reproduction of the species. Before the first birth can occur, a consistent work of research is needed, with sometimes very few resources. Moreover, these protocols must be themselves successful in the past for some species, but their potential is still to be exploited for a great number of mammals, birds and reptiles whose survival in the long term is quite uncertain. ; De nos jours, la biodiversité de notre planète fait face à une « sixième extinction de masse » dont un des facteurs prédominant est l’activité de l’Homme. Au cours des 500 dernières années, elle a été tenue responsable de la disparition de 869 espèces animales et végétales. Dans ce contexte alarmant, différents acteurs de la conservation se sont unis à une échelle mondiale. Le plan d’action choisi se veut focalisé sur une approche holistique en joignant les efforts des domaines ex situ et in situ de la conservation des espèces ainsi qu’en accentuant ...