Semen and oocyte collection, sperm cryopreservation and IVF with the threatened North American giant salamander Cryptobranchus alleganiensis

Semen of high to moderate quality was collected following the hormonal induction of North American giant salamanders Cryptobranchus alleganiensis. Oocytes from one female yielded the first C alleganiensis produced while maintained in aquaria under human care and the first externally fertilising salamander produced with cryopreserved spermatozoa and IVF. Further research is needed with North American giant salamanders to establish reliable techniques to produce large numbers of viable offspring, along with the application of cryopreserved spermatozoa.