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Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ART) Help Endangered Species Survival

As an island continent, Australia is unique in its biodiversity. Current estimations suggest Australia is home to more than one million plants and animal species, many of which are found nowhere else on the planet. There are approximately 110 Australian animal species classified as endangered, meaning they are likely to become extinct unless the various threats and pressures affecting them are removed. Another 180 species are considered vulnerable and are likely to become endangered within the next 25 years if present trends continue.

Although there are no simple solutions, the use of assisted reproductive technologies to help save some of the most critically endangered species in Australia is increasing. To help veterinary science students at the University of Sydney in the development of specialized skills in artificial insemination, embryo transfer, and related technologies, Bioniche Animal Health A/Asia Pty., based in Armidale, New South Wales has contributed financially to the faculty’s continued ability to deliver the Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) course.

One such ART initiative being financially supported by Bioniche Animal Health is taking place at the Wombat Research Centre in Central Queensland where 113 Northern Hairy-Nosed Wombats, Queensland’s most endangered mammal, continue to survive in nearby Epping Forest National Park. Research staff are using traditional cattle breeding methods of superovulation and embryo transfer to increase the number of wombat offspring from the 25 breeding-age females.

Hormonal changes associated with mating, ovulation, and fertilization are poorly understood in Australian marsupials, including the Stripe-Faced Dunnart, a polyovular dasyurid considered vulnerable. Also using combinations of reproductive hormones supplied by Bioniche, researchers at the University of New England in Armidale have successfully induced mating and ovulation in otherwise non-reproductive females of this species.

The Northern Hairy-Nosed Wombats, Queensland's most endangered mammal.

The Stripe-Faced Dunnart