Scientists are exploring innovative ways to use animal waste to conserve endangered species, offering a novel approach to wildlife protection and potentially preventing extinctions.
The "Poo Zoo" project, a collaboration between Chester Zoo and conservation non-profit Revive and Restore, aims to optimize care and protection for endangered species. The project focuses on extracting valuable genetic information from animal droppings, opening new avenues for conservation efforts. Dr. Rhiannon Bolton is at the forefront of this program.
Current UK veterinary guidelines restrict genetic sample collection. However, researchers from Oxford University, working with the Poo Zoo project, are developing new methods to isolate, wash, and culture living animal cells from faeces for conservation. This allows for collecting cells from a wider range of animals, both within and across species.
The Chester Zoo team is currently collecting samples from species like Giraffa camelopardalis (giraffe), Okapia johnstoni (okapi), and Panthera leo (lion). These cells could potentially be developed into stem cells, which could then be used to create egg and sperm cells for conservation breeding.
Dr. Sue Walker, head of science at Chester Zoo, explains that living cells are shed in faecal matter and can be isolated from the waste. The goal is to bank these washed cells to prevent extinctions. This approach builds upon existing programs at Chester Zoo that use faecal samples to monitor animal health.
This research highlights the potential of unconventional methods in conservation. By utilizing readily available resources like animal waste, scientists are developing innovative strategies to safeguard biodiversity and protect vulnerable species for future generations.