Reproduction and placentation in neotropical carnivores

A firm understanding of the reproductive biology of threatened species is critical forthe promotion of effective conservation strategies. We review the reproductivecharacteristics of the ~65 species of Neotropical carnivores, including male and femaleanatomy, mating systems, estrus cycles and induced ovulation, delayed implantation,placentation, gestation, parturition, and lactation. This includes the compilation of avariety of quantitative and qualitative reproductive traits from various sources, such aslitter size, individual mass at birth, and length of gestation and weaning periods. Also, wediscuss the use of contraception in captive Neotropical carnivores and its association withthe risk of cancer in jaguars. In addition, we identify gaps in the knowledge of life historyin specific Neotropical carnivore species that should become priorities for furtherconservation efforts.