INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND

Genetic resource banking (GRB) provides potentially useful support for managing and conserving wildlife species. The GRB concept and strategies have received increasing attention over the last two decades (Holt et al., 1996b; Wildt et al., 1997; Holt & Pickard, 1999; Watson & Holt, 2001). This chapter summarises the general ideas presented in these earlier works while outlining new developments and providing examples of how GRBs are being applied to particular species. Specifically, we endeavour to provide a realistic evaluation of the current utility of GRBs, illustrating how to integrate the logistics of the technology into practical conservation programmes.

In terms of focus, this chapter is concerned with wild animal GRBs which are defined as organised collections of stored germplasm, mainly cryopreserved spermatozoa from individuals whose contribution to the gene pool is too valuable to lose. This definition helps to distinguish GRBs from other collections of frozen, dried or fixed biomaterials. Although a useful research resource, such collections have until recently had little practical value in breeding programmes. The GRB discussed here also differs from ad hoc collections of germplasm amassed opportunistically over time. By nature such collections are unplanned, containing random assortments of species and individuals. In contrast, a useful GRB is preplanned in some detail, addressing a wide range of organisational issues, from mundane specimen labelling to safe stewardship, to the politics of proprietary rights.