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Focal Palatine Erosion |
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 Is
an oral dysfunction associated with a severe dental malocclusion discovered
in captive Cheetahs, and subsequently found in some of the other large
felids both in the wild and in captivity. It was first identified by
Fitch & Fagan in their article published in the journal of ZOO
BIOLOGY in 1982. The search for the exact etiology of this debilitating
disorder has been a complex, multi-faceted and on-going quest ever
since. In many respects,
Cheetahs are a very unique species which have survived at least two
massive die-offs in the past, and appear to be rapidly approaching a
third. Their genetic diversity has been shown by O’Brien et al, to be
similar to that of 100 generations of inbred lab-rat to say the least -
severely depauperate. According to the International Cheetah Studbook,
their numbers are rapidly approaching a critical point of no return . .
. . . or "statistically irrecoverable extinction." Many
groups and individuals are involved in the search for the factors which
may prevent and/or reverse this trend. The Colyer Institute has been
actively involved in this process since 1982. |
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| Following is an assortment of
articles, papers, and information concerning this international
investigative effort: You can view, download, and print out high-quality,
graphics-enhanced versions. |
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 If
you do not have a Acrobat Reader you can download one by clicking on the
image on the left.
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