Saving the Extinct-in-the-Wild Sihek

The sihek is listed as extinct-in-the-wild and researchers are actively working on species recovery strategies, with the aim of releasing sihek back to the wild. To reach this goal, hatching failures, poor female health and mortality, as well as genetic threats due to inbreeding urgently need to be addressed. Researchers will analyze data from the sihek studbook, as well as breeding, veterinary and necropsy records, to determine causes and consequences of these individual and population health concerns. Findings will be used to balance breeding requirements to improve female sihek’s reproductive and overall health with science-based strategies aimed at aiding species recovery.