Advancing Wildlife Conservation Through Biobanking in South America

Abstract

South America harbors one of the world's richest biodiversities, yet its wildlife faces escalating threats from climate change and anthropogenic pressures. Biobanking different types of cells and tissues represents an important strategy to preserve genetic diversity and support conservation efforts in the long run. This review highlights the main challenges, opportunities, and future perspectives for biobanking as a conservation tool in South America. Key challenges include technical standardization, funding, and integration with conservation policies. Despite these barriers, recent advances demonstrate the growing importance of biobanking as a complementary tool for safeguarding endangered species and strengthening long-term conservation strategies in the region. The integration of biotechnological approaches into conservation programs positions biobanks as pivotal tools for advancing wildlife management and safeguarding the unique biodiversity of South America.

Keywords: assisted reproductive technologies; conservation policies; ex situ conservation; wildlife conservation.

Figure 1

Biobank as a conservation strategy consists of the integration of diverse and viable sample types accompanied by relevant metadata, along with in situ and ex situ conservation strategies coordinated at both regional and world-wide levels.