Research overview: assisted reproduction in captive and endangered felids

Assisted reproductive technologies, including artificial insemination, semen and embryo cryopreservation, and in vitro fertilization, have been applied to felids to support captive breeding and conservation of endangered species, helping manage genetic diversity in small populations and overcome breeding difficulties. Felid reproductive physiology, including induced ovulation and species-specific challenges, complicates these efforts. This overview synthesizes the reproductive-science literature rather than one citation, describing the technologies developed for felids, why genetic management of captive populations benefits from assisted reproduction, and the obstacles posed by feline reproductive biology and gamete sensitivity. It matters because assisted reproduction offers tools to maintain healthy, genetically diverse captive populations and to preserve genetic material from rare felids, contributing to conservation strategies for species threatened in the wild.