Modelling Genetic Benefits and Financial Costs of Integrating Biobanking into the Captive Management of Koalas.

ABSTRACT: Zoo and wildlife hospital networks are set to become a vital component of Australia's contemporary efforts to conserve the iconic and imperiled koala (Phascolarctos cinereus). Managed breeding programs held across zoo-based networks typically face high economic costs and can be at risk of adverse genetic effects typical of unavoidably small captive colonies. Emerging evidence suggests that biobanking and associated assisted reproductive technologies could address these economic and genetic challenges. We present a modelled scenario, supported by detailed costings, where these technologies are optimized and could be integrated into conservation breeding programs of koalas across the established zoo and wildlife hospital network. Genetic and economic modelling comparing closed captive

SUBMITTER: Howell LG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9028793 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature