Conservation and DNA Barcoding

Barcoding for Species Conservation.  The genetic resources of the Frozen Zoo® make the San Diego Zoo an ideal leading partner organization to help guide and coordinate international collaborations involving DNA barcoding for species conservation.

DNA barcoding is an emerging technology that provides a method for identifying species from unrecognizable samples of blood, bone, meat, hair, feathers, or feces. It is also recognized as a valuable basic research tool for refining our understanding of biodiversity.

Species identification using DNA barcodes is relevant to a number of conservation needs including the ability to infer the presence of a species from droppings or unidentifiable remains, the management of captive populations, the repatriation confiscated animals, and the enforcement of national and international regulations regarding the trafficking of animals and their parts.

Our barcoding initiative is unique in that it is the only one focused on using DNA barcoding reference data to identify unrecognizable samples directly from the bushmeat trade. By continuing to focus on the extensive Central African bushmeat crisis, this project will serve as the foundation for long-term global efforts to apply barcoding diagnostics to conservation needs.

Our work includes generation of data from the Frozen Zoo® that will become part of the international database of DNA barcodes; generation of data from museum skins; development of primer sets for a variety of primate species – a tool for creating DNA barcode sequences that will be made available to the scientific and conservation community; coordination and facilitation of international discussions regarding the utility, logistics, and impediments to barcoding bushmeat; establishment of networks of collaborators interested in combating the bushmeat crisis; design and implementation of a variety of educational outreach projects including hands-on laboratory workshops for students and wildlife managers in both Africa and the U.S.