The Science of Conservation

June 26, 2010

Yesterday was a lesson in small animal population control and genetics. We heard from experts in the field including Dr. Steve O’Brien (geneticist) and Dr. Linda Penfold (reproductive biologist) – I felt very humbled to even be in their presence. Dr. O’Brien shared a bold idea to re-establish tigers into an area where a genetically similar extinct subspecies formerly roamed. Tiger conservation has been failing and now there are more animals in captivity than in the wild. Using modern technology, he and his team have been able to identify this related subspecies which will allow them to reintroduce a population of animals that are best suited to adapt to the ecosystem.

Dr. O'Brien lecturing about the Genome 10k Project in the Big Game Room

Dr. Penfold’s work in reproduction biology primarily serves to improve genetic diversity of threatened and endangered species. While animal numbers within a group can be improved through breeding programs and artificial methods, something that people rarely think about is the genetic “bottleneck” that occurs when animal numbers get too low. Genetic diversity is extremely important to the health of the herd. When a disease strikes the population, the weak and sickly animals are most impacted; however, if all animals within the herd have the same genetic composition and resistance to disease, the disease will be significantly more disastrous to the population. Many animals in captivity are severely inbred, making them “generic” or “hybrid” animals. Currently, efforts are being made to improve the genetic diversity of these animals which serve as “insurance populations” for animals in the wild. It’s a relatively new concept to involve genetic work in conservation, and it’s not an easy job. Dr. Penfold discussed the difficulty in importing gerenuk semen from the African grassland, where diseases considered “foreign” in the United States are relatively common (i.e., foot and mouth disease). The USDA required a veterinarian from the agency to oversee all operations in the field. Dr. Penfold is still working on getting the semen into the country – a hiccup I had not previously thought of in this line of work. While the federal regulations are in place for a reason (foot and mouth disease is a highly contagious disease that dramatically reduces productivity of livestock species), they can greatly reduce efficiency of conservation efforts, increase costs, and delay intervention strategies.

Learning how to do "quality control" on a blood film

Following our morning of lectures, I got to hone up on my laboratory skills with semen collection from the tail of a canine epididymis, follicle collection from a feline ovary, and making blood smears on cheetahs and rhinos.  I really feel like this experience is enriching my veterinary education.  It's amazing how much you can learn when you have one-on-one instruction, state-of-the-art facilities, and adequate time to devote to practicing the new skill or discussing the concept.  Envirovet is a rare educational opportunity, and I am so blessed to be here.