Reproductive biotechnologies for conservation of endangered mammalian species

Rapid losses of mammalian biodiversity caused by habitat conversion, illegal exploitation, and climate instability pose serious risks to ecosystem function and resilience. In this context, reproductive biotechnologies (RBTs) encompassing Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ARTs) and advanced ARTs (aARTs) have become valuable components of modern conservation practice. Established approaches such as artificial insemination, in vitro fertilization, embryo transfer, gamete cryopreservation, and somatic cell nuclear transfer are increasingly complemented by emerging strategies including induced pluripotent stem cells, transgenesis, and microfluidic systems. Together, these tools facilitate genetic rescue, enhance reproductive output, and enable propagation of taxa with limited or failing natural breeding. Long-term safeguarding of biodiversity is further strengthened by genome resource banking initiatives, exemplified in India by the National Wildlife Genetic Resource Bank at CCMB-LaCONES. Documented successes in species such as the black-footed ferret, Przewalski’s horse, the northern white rhinoceros, and several wild felids illustrate the conservation potential of these technologies. Although biological complexity and ethical considerations remain, coordinated integration of RBTs with in situ and ex situ programs offers a viable pathway for sustaining endangered mammalian populations.