A Landmark Biobanking Initiative

In a pioneering effort to counter the escalating threats of biodiversity loss, Revive & Restore, in conjunction with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, has initiated the first agency-wide biobanking program for U.S. endangered species. This strategic effort intends to indefinitely preserve living cells from these species, thus conserving their invaluable genetic diversity. The technique used to conserve endangered species by storing their genetic material is known as cryopreservation.

“Biobanking gives us the chance to save irreplaceable genetic diversity,” explains Seth Willey, Deputy Assistant Regional Director at the US Fish & Wildlife Service’s Southwest Region. “If done right, it creates a marker-in-time and gives future recovery biologists options, like genetic rescue, that are only possible if we act now.”

Biobanking has three core applications:

• Preserving Genetic Diversity: Cryopreserving cells help maintain the genetic diversity, which is crucial for future restoration projects.
  
• Managing with Genomic Insight: Sequencing DNA from preserved cells can offer insights into wildlife management and restoration opportunities.
  
• Genetic Rescue through Technology: By leveraging advanced biotechnologies, the stored genetic material can reintroduce genetic diversity, refine reproductive tools, and possibly recover extinct species.

The biobanking procedure consists of four phases:

1. Collaboration: Engage with field biologists for effective tissue sample collection.
   
2. Collection: Process collected samples either for primary cell culture or immediate cryopreservation.
   
3. Protection: Store frozen cell lines and tissue in a national repository for long-term preservation.
   
4. Application: Utilize these samples to construct a reference genome accessible to researchers for conservation activities.

Less than 14% of over 1,700 U.S. threatened or endangered species have cryopreserved living tissue. This initiative intends to change this, starting with the biobanking of 24 selected endangered mammals including the Mexican Wolf, Sonoran Pronghorn, Florida Bonneted Bat, and Preble’s Meadow Jumping Mouse.

Ryan Phelan, Executive Director of Revive & Restore, stated, “This is about creating a legacy of America’s natural history before it is lost.” The program has garnered support and participation from notable institutions like ViaGen Pets & Equine and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, among others.

Furthermore, to assist field biologists in biobanking, Revive & Restore has introduced resources like sample collection protocols and visual aids available on their project webpage.

In short, this multi-institutional partnership is poised to significantly advance the preservation of U.S. endangered species, marking a significant stride in conserving America’s rich biodiversity.