Mechanisms and Evolution of Reproductive Suppression

斯科特·克里尔。繁殖抑制的机制和进化本项目将继续对非洲野狗（Lycaon pictus）进行研究。1991年6月在坦桑尼亚的塞卢斯野生动物保护区开始。非洲野狗是一种濒临灭绝的物种。据估计，野生大熊猫的数量在4000到6000只之间。塞卢斯野生动物保护区是非洲大陆上最大的保护区，也是现存野狗数量最多的地方（880只）。这项研究是一个更大的项目的一部分，旨在了解和扭转野狗数量的下降。在一个典型的野狗群中（最多20只成年狗），只有社会优势的一对繁殖。这项研究将解决为什么社会下属不生育的问题，即使他们是生殖成熟。将采用两种方法。首先，将收集人口统计和遗传数据，以检验生殖抑制进化的数学模型。其次，将在野外收集行为和激素数据，以确定哪些生理和行为机制阻止下属繁殖。本研究涉及两个具有广泛意义的问题。首先，它考察了社会地位影响生殖的方式（这是一个与人类生殖和其他濒危物种的圈养繁殖直接相关的问题）。其次，调查一种濒危动物数量下降的原因，希望能确保其在野外的生存。

NONTECHNICAL SUMMARY Creel, Scott., IBN 94-19452 Mechanisms and Evolution of Reproductive Suppression This project will continue a study of African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus). begun June 1991 in Tanzania s Selous Game Reserve. African wild dogs are an endangered species. Estimates of the number living in the wild range from 4000 to 6000. The Selous Game Reserve is the largest protected area on the continent, and holds the largest remaining population of wild dogs (880 individuals). This research is part of a larger program to understand and reverse the wild dogs decline. Within a typical wild dog pack (of up to 20 adults), only the socially dominant pair breeds. This study will address the question of why social subordinates do not breed, even though they are reproductively mature.. Two approaches will be used. First, demographic and genetic data will be gathered to test a mathematical model of the evolution of reproductive suppression. Second, behavioral and hormonal data will be collected in the wild, to determine what physiological and behavioral mechanisms prevent reproduction by subordinates. This research addresses two issues of broad significance. First, it examines the manner in which social status affects reproduction (an issue with direct relevance for human reproduction, and for captive breeding of other endangered species). Second, it examines the causes of decline of an endangered animal, in the hope of ensuring its survival in the wild.