DIGITAL ARCHIPELAGO

Development of reproductive biotechnologies for the conservation of South American felines. Creation of a genetic resources bank

Environment

2004

The upkeep of viable populations is vital for the conservation of endangered species. Progressive loss and deterioration of the natural habitat have caused original populations to fragment into small, isolated groups suffering consanguinity and the consequent loss of genetic variability.

DIRECTOR

Montserrat Gomendio

RESEARCH TEAM

Eduardo Roldán, José Julián Garde López-Brea, Montserrat Gomendio.

COLLABORATING INSTITUTIONS

Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales-CSIC

DESCRIPTION

The genetic management of populations is a way to stop these phenomena from leading to extinction. Reproductive biotechnologies offer new tools to facilitate genetic interchange among natural populations and those held in captivity.

The aim of this project is to advance our knowledge of the reproductive biology of South American felines. It seeks to develop reproductive biotechnologies of exclusive application to this group, given their perilous conservation status, and to create a specific genetic resources bank (conserving gametes, live tissues and embryos).

The bank’s functions will be to preserve the present genetic diversity of these felines and to facilitate the genetic management of isolated populations. It will act, in short, as a form of life insurance for a species whose future is under serious threat.