Meeting the Challenge of Preserving
Global Biodiversity through Reproductive Science
Linking Reproductive
Science to Endangered Species Conservation Reproductive Science
is the
essence
of species survival and
is a research priority of the National Zoo.
Primary areas of study within the Department of Reproductive Sciences include gamete (sperm, egg) biology, embryology, endocrinology, behavior, cryobiology, assisted breeding, and reproductive health.
Our scientists work closely with colleagues locally, nationally and internationally in the disciplines of veterinary medicine, nutrition, genetics, animal husbandry, physiological ecology and population biology.
Primary Areas of Focus
Successes and Milestones
Training the Next Generation of Conservation
Leaders
The
Department of Reproductive Sciences takes seriously its responsibility
to develop the next generation of scholars and wildlife managers
who will be the frontline defense in conserving biodiversity.
Our scientists teach students from the U.S. and abroad how
to apply the scientific method to help manage and save small
populations of rare species. More than 20 post-doctoral fellows,
40 graduate students and 200 interns (including some from the developing
world) have experienced this unique training in the Smithsonian’s
state-of-the-art laboratories. This first-rate, team-based
science program shapes the careers of these young scientists
by exposing them to diverse conservation science disciplines.
Future Needs
Our
priorities are to conduct high quality scientific research
and to train the conservation leaders of tomorrow. Our programs
are essential to understanding the biology and saving some
of the Earth’s rarest and most fascinating species.
Few challenges are more important, rewarding or necessary.
Grants and gifts from scientific agencies, corporations, foundations and private individuals provide more than half the budget for activities. If you are interested in a tax-deductible, charitable gift or receiving more information on the Department of Reproductive Sciences and its worldwide efforts on behalf of the Earth’s biodiversity, contact Dr. David Wildt, Senior Scientist and Chairman, Department of Reproductive Sciences at 540.635.6539 or .6595, or by email.
Research to Preserve Biodiversity
The
Department of Reproductive Sciences is comprised of 20 scientists
at the National Zoo and its Conservation
and Research Center. These skilled and dedicated individuals
use modern, cutting-edge technologies (often borrowed from
human medical research) to study and preserve some of the
most endangered species on Earth. They have been undisputed
leaders in this field for more than two decades.
Partners in Progress
Key
to our success has been collaboration among many disciplines
to generate basic and applied information to improve wildlife
management. The network for the Department of Reproductive
Sciences includes the best scientists, universities and government/nongovernmental
organizations worldwide. Moving people, knowledge and technology worldwide
through its Mobile Laboratory ensures that expertise is shared
far beyond the Smithsonian’s Washington, D.C., base.