Assisted reproductive technology in reptiles

The thesis deals with assisted reproduction techniques in reptiles. The class of reptiles (Reptilia), as is classically described, is paraphyletic taxa. That is the reason why birds (Aves) are included for completeness of this thesis. For the sake of clarity, the term "reptiles" is used in the thesis within the meaning of traditional reptile orders (squamates, tuataras, chelonians and crocodilians), which together with birds form the monophyletic class Sauropsida. The development of assisted reproduction techniques has been mainly focused on mammals so far. However, given the numbers of endangered species of reptiles and birds, it is clear that more attention should be paid to them, as assisted reproduction techniques can represent one of the ways to prevent their extinction. This thesis deals with those methods. Semen collection and its subsequent storage represent the first step to successful artificial insemination or in vitro fertilization. Cryopreservation and following transplantation of ovarian and testicular tissues (already successful in birds) is a promising method for conservation programs in endangered animal species. Furthermore, captive animal breeding is briefly mentioned, which is not an assisted reproduction technique in the true sense of the word, but offers an example of saving..