The endangered Ethiopian Wolf
This unique, application-focused project aims to develop a biobank of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) for the Ethiopian wolf: the most endangered carnivore in Africa and the rarest canid in the world.
Building on IBREAM’s establishment of the world’s first semen bank for this species, the next step is to safeguard genetic diversity through a pluripotent stem cell biobank. Looking forward, stem cells will be a valuable tool for exploring disease resilience, as lethal outbreaks of plague and canine distemper threaten already fragmented populations. However, international treaties designed to combat the illegal wildlife trade prevent Ethiopian wolf cell lines from being exported out of the country for stem cell optimisation.
In response, this strong collaborative team, bringing together experts in stem cell technology, on-the-ground application, and Ethiopian conservation, aims to build in-country capacity for iPSC derivation and biobanking. This will involve intensive hands-on training, long-term collaboration, and ongoing outreach. In doing so, this initiative will establish a locally-led capacity-building model that can be translated to other species and regions. We believe this could set a powerful new precedent for globally inclusive conservation biotechnology.
Project Team, United Kingdom
-
- Co-PI: Gareth Sullivan, University of St. Andrews
-
- Co-PI: Monique Paris, IBREAM
-
- Co-PI: Claudio Sillero, University of Oxford
Project Team, Ethiopia
-
- Co-PI: Alemayehu Lemma, Addis Ababa University
-
- Co-PI: Tesfu Fekensa, Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute
-
- Co-PI: Dr. Fekede Regassa, Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority
