Is She or Isn’t She? Early Pregnancy Detection in Endangered Mammals

Early pregnancy detection is difficult in species experiencing delayed implantation, such as bears and many deer. 

However, increased blood supply to the uterus can be visualized by thermography as a means to diagnose pregnancy. We have recently used this technique to distinguish pregnancy in giant pandas, with heat signatures appearing prior to fetal detection by ultrasound.  We were able to accurately diagnose pregnancy in the San Diego Zoo’s female sun bear, who has not been trained to allow unrestrained ultrasound.

Thermographic analysis is of great interest to establish the actual frequency of multiple conceptions and to quantify what happens to the fetus pre- and post-implantation. Pinpointing the timing of potential problems will enhance our knowledge of the physiology of gestation, as well as providing the opportunity to intervene, thus increasing the potential for multiple births. 

Most useful for delayed implanting species, this non-invasive imaging method is effective within 1-5 feet of the animal, so may also be used for detecting pregnancy when hands-on diagnostics are not possible. 

Thermal imaging to detect and monitor pregnancy may be useful in a number of other species, including elephants, giraffes, antelopes, gazelles, primates, and carnivores other than bears.