Biotechnology and the Conservation of Genetic Diversity (Symposia of the Zoological Society of London)

The conservation of many endangered species will depend on active management plans for both wild animals and those bred in captivity. A crucial factor is the maintenance of genetic variation in given populations to ensure that inbreeding effects are kept to a minimum. This volume describes the rapid advances that have been made in reproductive biology and molecular genetics, explaining the role and practice of reproductive technology in the breeding of rare and endangered animals in captivity. Calling on both theory and example, the authors highlight three major categories of biotechnology: techniques for managing reproduction (such as in vitro fertilization), techniques for cryopreservation of reproductive material and embryos (the `frozen zoo'), and techniques for genetic analysis. Both practical and ethical issues in captive breeding are explored here by scientists who are leading workers in the field. The work is certain to be a valued resource for zoologists and conservation biologists concerned with issues of diversity and preservation.