Amid a dire biodiversity crisis highlighted by a staggering 69% decline in global animal populations since 1970, experts are turning to an innovative solution to help prevent species extinction. Just as egg freezing has allowed people to delay fertility, the technique of freezing genetic samples from animals could be the key to halting the decline of several species.

These living cell banks store animal genetic materials such as DNA, embryos, sperm and living tissue at ultra-low temperatures. These cells can be cultured and used for a variety of applications, including genetic analysis, assisted reproductive techniques, providing genetic diversity in animal populations, and potentially even reintroducing species into their natural habitats.

For the study, researchers analyzed the contents of the San Diego Wildlife Alliance’s (SDZWA) Ice Zoo—the largest and most diverse collection of living genetic samples—to develop a framework for prioritizing species for future selection. The researchers also used aggregate data from the Species360 Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS), the world’s largest database of species information, to identify opportunities for future collection of genetic samples.

The study shows that 965 different species, including 5% of amphibians, birds, mammals and reptiles listed as threatened on the IUCN Red List, are currently housed in the SDZWA frozen zoo, and further sampling from zoos and aquariums could significantly increase this representativeness. 16.6% provides access to another 707 endangered species.

In addition, genetic samples of 50% of species currently listed as extinct in the wild are currently on display at the SDZWA Frozen Zoo, although samples from the zoological community may increase this number to 91%; This could potentially provide an important lifeline for these endangered species. .

The lead author of the study is Dr. from Dublin Zoo and Trinity College Dublin School of Life Sciences. Andrew Mooney underlines the importance of research.

“This study not only highlights the incredible work the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance has done to date, but also highlights the collective potential of the global zoo and aquarium community to further contribute to global cryobanking initiatives and conservation priorities for wildlife populations around the world.” “As we continue to decline, there has never been a more critical time to collect and preserve genetic samples of endangered species. Cryopreserved samples offer unique conservation opportunities, but we must work together and collect samples before it is too late.”

Yvonne Buckley, Professor of Zoology at Trinity School of Life Sciences, says:

“We are in the midst of a biodiversity crisis, with more than a million species at risk of extinction in the coming decades. While our first priority is to prevent species extinction in the wild, cryobanking provides the means to preserve significant genetic diversity and restore that diversity to increase adaptation and resilience in populations.”

Co-author Johanna Sterk from the Species360 Conservation Science Alliance says:

“This study highlights the enormous potential of cryobanking to preserve endangered species and the role of zoos and aquariums in conservation. Given how difficult it is to obtain genetic samples from wild species, zoos and aquariums are increasingly looking to collect genetic samples to ensure the future survival of the species.” It is an ideal resource.”

Amid a dire biodiversity crisis highlighted by a staggering 69% decline in global animal populations since 1970, experts are turning to an innovative solution to help prevent species extinction. Just as egg freezing has allowed people to delay fertility, the technique of freezing genetic samples from animals could be the key to halting the decline of several species.

These living cell banks store animal genetic materials such as DNA, embryos, sperm and living tissue at ultra-low temperatures. These cells can be cultured and used for a variety of applications, including genetic analysis, assisted reproductive techniques, providing genetic diversity in animal populations, and potentially even reintroducing species into their natural habitats.

For the study, researchers analyzed the contents of the San Diego Wildlife Alliance’s (SDZWA) Ice Zoo—the largest and most diverse collection of living genetic samples—to develop a framework for prioritizing species for future selection. The researchers also used aggregate data from the Species360 Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS), the world’s largest database of species information, to identify opportunities for future collection of genetic samples.

The study shows that 965 different species, including 5% of amphibians, birds, mammals and reptiles listed as threatened on the IUCN Red List, are currently housed in the SDZWA frozen zoo, and further sampling from zoos and aquariums could significantly increase this representativeness. 16.6% provides access to another 707 endangered species.

In addition, genetic samples of 50% of species currently listed as extinct in the wild are currently on display at the SDZWA Frozen Zoo, although samples from the zoological community may increase this number to 91%; This could potentially provide an important lifeline for these endangered species. .

The lead author of the study is Dr. from Dublin Zoo and Trinity College Dublin School of Life Sciences. Andrew Mooney underlines the importance of research.

“This study not only highlights the incredible work the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance has done to date, but also highlights the collective potential of the global zoo and aquarium community to further contribute to global cryobanking initiatives and conservation priorities for wildlife populations around the world.” “As we continue to decline, there has never been a more critical time to collect and preserve genetic samples of endangered species. Cryopreserved samples offer unique conservation opportunities, but we must work together and collect samples before it is too late.”

Yvonne Buckley, Professor of Zoology at Trinity School of Life Sciences, says:

“We are in the midst of a biodiversity crisis, with more than a million species at risk of extinction in the coming decades. While our first priority is to prevent species extinction in the wild, cryobanking provides the means to preserve significant genetic diversity and restore that diversity to increase adaptation and resilience in populations.”

Co-author Johanna Sterk from the Species360 Conservation Science Alliance says:

“This research highlights the enormous potential of cryobanking to preserve endangered species and the role of zoos and aquariums in conservation. Given how difficult it is to obtain genetic samples from wild species, zoos and aquariums are increasingly looking to collect genetic samples to ensure the future survival of the species.” It is an ideal resource.” Source