Applications of emerging technologies to the study and conservation of threatened and endangered species

Abstract

Abstract. Sustaining viable populations of all wildlife species requires the maintenance of habitat, as well as an understanding of the behaviour and physiology of individual species. Despite substantial efforts, there are thousands of species threatened by extinction, often because of complex factors related to politics, social and environmental conditions and economic needs. When species become critically endangered, ex situ recovery programmes that include reproductive scientists are the usual first line of defence. Despite the potential of reproductive technologies for rapidly increasing numbers in such small populations, there are few examples of success. This is not the result of a failure on the part of the technologies per se, but rather is due to a lack of knowledge about the fundamental biology of the species in question, information essential for allowing reproductive technologies to be effective in the production of offspring. In addition, modern conservation concepts correctly emphasise the importance of maintaining heterozygosity to sustain genetic vigour, thereby limiting the practical usefulness of some procedures (such as nuclear transfer). However, because of the goal of maintaining all extant gene diversity and because, inevitably, many species are (or will become) 'critically endangered', it is necessary to explore every avenue for a potential contributory role. There are many 'emerging technologies' emanating from the study of livestock and laboratory animals. We predict that a subset of these may have application to the rescue of valuable genes from individual endangered species and eventually to the genetic management of entire populations or species. The present paper reviews the potential candidate techniques and their potential value (and limitations) to the study and conservation of rare wildlife species.

Ultrastructural features of agouti (Dasyprocta aguti) preantral follicles cryopreserved using dimethyl sulfoxide, ethylene glycol and propanediol

“…Nevertheless, due to the low availability of endangered species for use in scientific research, it is necessary to use experimental models, usually domestic animals or animals that are not under the threat of extinction, that are phylogenetically close to the species of interest [7].…”

In vitro maturation, apoptotic gene expression and incidence of numerical chromosomal abnormalities following cryotop vitrification of sheep cumulus-oocyte complexes

“…Currently, for gamete cryopreservation, vitrification appears to be a promising alternative to the classic slow freezing technique [3][4][5][6]. However, there are toxic effects of high cryoprotectant concentrations during vitrification; cells must tolerate a short equilibration time and a rapid cooling rate [7].…”

Effect of donor age on success of spermatogenesis in feline testis xenografts

“…The development of techniques able to preserve genetic information from individual males has been the focus of much research (Pukazhenthi et al 2006). Historically, considerable emphasis has been placed on sperm cryopreservation; more recently, however, attention has also turned to other cell types within the testis.…”