Review on Estrous Cycle Monitoring and Pregnancy Detection Techniques in Malayan Tapir (Tapirus indicus) in Captivity

The ex-situ breeding of the Malayan tapir in Malaysia is an important conservation strategy to increase the population of this endangered species. Knowledge of the reproductive behaviour of Malayan tapir is of paramount importance for reproductive management in captivity and to enable application of assisted reproduction technology (ART). There are still large gaps in our knowledge of Malayan tapir reproduction. This manuscript summarizes the current state of estrous cycle monitoring and pregnancy detection technique of Malayan tapir in captivity. Estrous cycle monitoring has traditionally relied on behavioural observation but other methods such as vulva score, vaginal cytology, and hormone testing have shown utility and promise. Pregnancy is confirmed by ultrasonography and persistently elevated serum progesterone but other observations such as the gradual changes of the monthly body weight are useful predictors of pregnancy. Reproductive characterization is important for implementing captive breeding programmes and further work is required to improve the knowledge and understanding of Malayan tapir reproduction.