Wildlife Tissue Collection for Biobanking: A Strategy for Biodiversity Conservation
Biodiversity conservation is one of the global priorities in the face of increasing threats to wildlife. Among the innovative strategies contributing to this goal is the establishment of biobanks—structures that store biological samples for use in research, genetic conservation, and potential future applications such as assisted reproduction.
Biobanks are organized facilities designed for the safe, long-term storage of biological materials, along with associated data. These resources can be used in scientific research, genetic conservation, and species management. In the context of wildlife, biobanks play a fundamental role in preserving biodiversity by enabling the recovery and conservation of genetic material from animals, including endangered species. These biobanks may store different types of samples, such as tissue fragments (e.g., skin or ear), blood, semen, oocytes, embryos, and cultured cells such as fibroblasts, ensuring a valuable genetic resource for future studies and assisted reproduction strategies.
One of the main approaches used to build these biobanks is the collection of tissue from wild animals. Below, we explain in a clear and accessible way how this process is carried out:
1. Tissue Collection
Sample collection is preferably performed under controlled conditions by trained professionals, with all required legal and ethical approvals. The collected material typically consists of a small fragment of skin or ear tissue from the animal.
2. Transport and Processing
After collection, the samples are properly identified and transported under controlled conditions to the laboratory, where they undergo initial processing
Lab
Part of the sample is cryopreserved immediately, ensuring the long-term conservation of the biological material. Another portion is used for cell culture, particularly for the establishment of fibroblast cell lines under controlled laboratory conditions.
3. Cell Culture and Expansion
Cells are cultured in specialized plates and continuously monitored. Once they reach cellular confluence—that is, when the surface of the plate is fully covered by adherent cells—subculturing (also known as passaging) is performed.
This process allows the cells to continue proliferating, ensuring a sufficient quantity for long-term storage.
4. Cryopreservation and Storage
Once a sufficient concentration of healthy cells is achieved, they are cryopreserved in cryovials and stored in liquid nitrogen at extremely low temperatures (approximately −196 °C). This process allows the genetic material of that individual to be preserved indefinitely, creating a valuable “genetic archive” for future applications.
Why Does It Matter?
The establishment of wildlife biobanks has gained increasing attention due to their potential for direct impact on conservation efforts. The storage of biological samples enables:
Genetic studies to better understand wild populations.
The development of genetic resource banks to support assisted reproduction and species reintroduction programs.
Monitoring of genetic variability and population health.
Recovery and preservation of genetic material, even after the animal’s death.
More than just a scientific tool, biobanks are becoming strategic allies in the fight against biodiversity loss. By storing and preserving the genetic material of wildlife, these structures offer hope for the future of endangered species and expand the possibilities for long-term conservation.
Ian Navarezi
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