Imagine that it’s never too late to save a bird species —
no matter how seemingly irreversible the threat.
Imagine restoring historic genetic diversity to dwindling bird populations, providing immunity to invasive disease, or even adaptive traits to allow birds to overcome climate change. To make this vision a reality, we have assembled the world’s leading scientists to develop a suite of biotechnologies capable of helping birds thrive in a world increasingly shaped by human-driven change.
The unique reproductive biology of birds makes it difficult to directly translate key technologies used for genetic rescue in mammals, like in vitro fertilization and cloning. An alternative to cloning, called germ-line transmission, has been pioneered for domestic chickens by biomedical researchers. With the right optimization, this technology could unlock a versatility of genetic rescue capabilities for use with wild birds.
Watch this video to learn more →
Watch this graphic video, created and narrated by Ben Novak, to learn more about avian germ-line transmission
In 2021, we formed an international Avian Genetic Rescue Consortium to innovate these urgently needed technologies and fund projects that will secure a future for the world’s birds. We raised over $5 million for the creation of the Biotechnology for Bird Conservation program. In fall 2022, we selected and funded 8 research teams to conduct groundbreaking research. These multi-year projects pursue parallel tracks to advance avian reproductive technologies.
Pioneering efforts are already underway.
Conservation application: New options for biobanking and genetic rescue
In domestic chickens it is possible to culture and biobank embryonic primordial germ cells (PGCs) which can later be used to reproduce offspring. However, the methods for culturing chicken PGCs do not work for other species. We are funding research to culture PGCs for more diverse birds, opening pathways to future genetic rescue technologies.
Conservation application: Genetic rescue tools beyond PGCs
Embryonic primordial germ cells (PGCs) are a difficult cell type to grow in culture. In this track, we explore alternatives to PGCs, funding research to establish reproductively competent embryonic stem cells. Harvesting cells from embryos of endangered species will not always be possible, or desirable. Thus, we are exploring the viability of establishing induced pluripotent stem cells from adult tissues collected non-lethally, such as through plucked feathers.
Conservation application: More pathways to facilitated adaptation
Conservation application: More breeding options
In this track, we explore methods that enable one species of bird to produce the offspring of another species. Ultimately, this can help conservation programs hatch large numbers of endangered birds using surrogate parents with greater fecundity. In addition, this technology could help recover species that do not breed in captivity, such as shearwaters and petrels. In the event that a species becomes extinct, this research will also pave the way to revive them from biobanked cell lines.
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