Potential and Reality of Cryopreserving Somatic Cells of Wild Felids for Conservation

Abstract

The loss of biodiversity caused by anthropogenic actions is also a reality for the members of the Felidae family. Except for the domestic cat, all felid species have some degree of threat of extinction in their natural habitat. For this reason, felids have been included in conservation-related studies. This scenario has aroused increasing interest in the formation of somatic cell banks, which when efficiently implemented can be used in preservation strategies for the species. Nevertheless, one of the important steps in the formation of these banks is the understanding of the technical principles and variations involved in cryopreservation techniques, especially because cryopreservation increases the possibilities for Assisted Reproduction Technologies (ARTs) by making the use of biological materials independent of time and space. In wild felids, several species already have promising results in the formation of somatic cell banks, and studies aimed at better viability rates have been constantly proposed, as well as new species have been studied. In some species, aspects involved in successful cryopreservation are already well defined, and slow freezing associated with cryoprotectant solutions composed of intra- and extracellular substances is the most useful approach. The aim of this review was to present the main parameters involved in the elaboration of a somatic cell cryopreservation protocol and their effects, as well as to address the main results achieved for different wild felids.