Research overview: sperm morphology and genetic diversity in felids

Across felid species and populations, the quality of sperm morphology tends to correlate with the level of genetic diversity, linking population history to reproductive function. This overview surveys comparative evidence that genetically diverse populations produce more normal sperm while inbred populations show elevated abnormalities, as documented in cheetahs and isolated lion populations. It reviews how this relationship illuminates the reproductive costs of lost diversity and informs conservation concern. The review connects sperm morphology to teratospermia, inbreeding depression, and the assessment of population health through reproductive traits. Understanding the link between sperm morphology and genetic diversity clarifies why semen quality serves as a sensitive indicator of the genetic condition of felid populations.