Role of reproductive technologies and genetic resource banks in animal conservation

In combination with modern reproductive technologies, there is potential to use frozen and stored germplasm (genetic resource banks) to support conser vation measures for the maintenance of genetic diversity in threatened spec ies. However, turning this idea into reality is a complex process, requirin g interdisciplinary collaboration and clearly defined goals. As the number of species deserving the attention of conservation scientists is overwhelmi ngly large, yet detailed knowledge of reproductive physiology is restricted to relatively few of them, choosing which species to conserve is one of th e most difficult issues to be tackled. Besides the direct application of te chnologically advanced reproductive procedures, modem approaches to non-inv asive endocrine monitoring play an important role in optimizing the success of natural breeding programmes. Through the analysis of urine and faecal s amples, this type of technology provides invaluable management information about the reproductive status of diverse species. For example, it is possib le to diagnose pregnancy and monitor oestrous cycles in elephants and rhino s without causing stress through restraint for sample collection. In this r eview, we identify the potential contribution of reproductive biology and g enetic resource banks to animal conservation, but also highlight the comple xity of issues determining the extent to which this potential can be achiev ed.