Projects
Each of these projects furthers our mission to enhance biodiversity through new techniques of genetic rescue.
Advanced Coral Toolkit
To promote the development and fielding of new biotechnologies that have the potential to benefit coral resilience and restoration efforts, we are supporting several applied coral conservation projects.
Biobanking
Biobanked materials enable genomic sequencing that can happen at any time and is not dependent on fresh samples. Conservationists can sequence samples as needed and then use the data to make informed decisions to better manage endangered populations.
Biotechnology for Bird Conservation
The newly launched “Biotechnology for Bird Conservation Program” will enable genetic rescue biotechnologies to help save endangered birds. With this funding, we are announcing a global call for research proposals.
The Black-footed Ferret
Twice feared extinct, the Black-footed Ferret has been the focus of a coordinated recovery effort for over thirty years. In 2020, foundational research began to restore lost genetic diversity and facilitate heritable disease resistance.
The Heath Hen
Restoring the Heath Hen—a species of Prairie chicken that went extinct in 1932—to the sand plains of the Northeast United States has the potential to revitalize the conservation of this unique habitat.
The Horseshoe Crab
The horseshoe crab is an ancient and important species that supports the ecological function of estuaries and the survival of migratory shorebirds. The current over-exploitation of horseshoe crabs by the pharmaceutical and bait industries may drive this species to extinction.
The Passenger Pigeon
The extinction of the Passenger Pigeon was a sobering lesson for Americans. A successful effort to bring it back would demonstrate the potential of genomic intervention and help to restore the ecology of North America’s eastern forests.
The Przewalski’s Horse
The world’s first successfully cloned endangered Przewalski’s horse was born on August 6, 2020. This groundbreaking achievement was conceived as a new strategy to help restore genetic diversity to the Przewalski’s horse species.
Wild Genomes
Through this competitive granting fund we provide field scientists, wildlife managers, and local citizens with access to state-of-the-art genomic sequencing and biobanking tools. Current projects support conservation efforts for 10 at-risk species from around the world.
The Woolly Mammoth
The pursuit of Woolly Mammoth de-extinction has helped to identify immediate potential benefits to Asian elephant conservation. There is also a compelling rationale for the development of climate change resilience.
The Ocean Genomics Horizon Scan
This report provides a first-of-its-kind assessment of genomic and biotech innovations to complement, enhance, and accelerate today’s marine conservation strategies.
