This is the first of a four-part blog series on the ways animal research helps animals.
Endangerment and extinction are impacting several species of animals globally. From deforestation and urbanization, to poaching, pollution, and incurable disease, many argue we humans bear some responsibility and have a moral duty to help animals from becoming endangered or extinct. Whether the research is examining illnesses or studying reproduction to assist with breeding, animal research is one avenue by which scientists are helping to protect endangered animals.
EEHV and Elephants
Asian elephants, both in captivity and in the wild, are highly susceptible to a deadly strain of the herpes virus called EEHV, which can kill young elephants in a matter of days. However, researchers at Baylor College of Medicine are working to learn more about the virus to save elephants in zoos and in the wild. Studies in mice and rabbits are examining antibody responses to EEHV proteins, which are important for developing diagnostic tools and treatments for affected elephants. In June, they successfully sequenced the virus’ genome, which will help researchers better understand the disease. With this increased knowledge, scientists can move toward the development of an EEHV vaccine. Such a vaccine would help both endangered Asian elephants in the wild facing EEHV, as well as those in zoos.
White-Nose Syndrome and Bats
A destructive fungus is responsible for wiping out entire bat colonies while they hibernate. Called white-nose syndrome (WNS) for the way bats’ muzzles and wings become coated in white fuzz, it affects various bat species, including both the endangered gray bat and the Indiana bat. In 2011, researchers were able to pinpoint the cause of WNS by exposing 15 healthy brown bats to the fungus. Previously, researchers thought only animals with dysfunctional immune systems could be affected by fungal infections. But this new information about the fungal cause of WNS led to a significant finding that could save bat colonies throughout North America. Because of animal research, scientists now have a better handle on how to treat WNS to prevent bat populations from further decline.
Nonhuman Primates and Ebola
Humans haven’t been the only primates affected by an Ebola outbreak. In 1994, roughly a quarter of the members of a wild chimpanzee community died of the disease. From 2002 to 2003, another study showed a massive die-off of gorillas in the Lossi Sanctuary in the Republic of Congo, with 5,000 killed by Ebola. Fortunately, in 2014, researchers at the University of Cambridge were able to test an Ebola vaccine on a group of captive chimpanzees. The study was an immense success, saving the lives of these critically endangered primates and giving researchers hope that more conservation-related vaccines will soon be developed. Animal research has and will undoubtedly continue to play a vital role in the development of lifesaving vaccines for both people and animals.
Reproductive Technology
Animal research is also helping to prevent the extinction of endangered species through advanced reproductive techniques. For example, research into assistive reproductive technology – ranging from in vitro fertilization to cloning – creates the potential for endangered species to be bred in captivity and then released into the wild. The National Zoological Park in Washington, D.C., has such programs for endangered cats and endangered canids. It is also creating a genome resource bank to protect and preserve biodiversity. Understanding the physiology of endangered species and improving conservation technology will be critical to preventing further endangerment and extinction.
Animal research plays a significant role in helping endangered animal populations. From assistive reproductive technology to vaccines for Ebola, animal research is greatly benefitting species that may otherwise disappear due to disease or man’s interference with the natural, delicate balance of the world’s ecosystem.
This is really good work!
Thank you Susan for another insightful article.
For 37 years, Animal Exchange has been encouraging private citizens to become involved in Aviculture with the assumption being that more isolated populations of birds and more knowledgeable individuals would enhance the possibility of survival of birds we keep. Now a Black Palm Cockatoo that we have nurtured for 20 years will be going to one of the few successful breeders of the species, a private citizen under the guidance of the stud book keeper. Success with our Palm’s genes will add to a limited gene pool. Research on animals by both public and private entities is indeed the only hope for so many species. Working cooperatively, there has been success and I personally am committed to promoting even more.
Interesting article Dr. Susan. Please continue this good work. For many years I worked with the three toed Sloth (Bradypus variegatus). If we do not study them how can we reproduce them or treat them when
these animals get sick or overrun whilst crossing highways ? Of course we should use non invasive techniques as far as possible.
A very good article, I will pass it to other peers , I am sure they will find it quite useful
interesting
cool
(im in school)
I like how you explained that endangered species can get a lot of help from animal research and study. I think a lot of people want to simply just leave the animals alone but that won’t be enough to help them. Having biologists and animal life experts study these species is the best way to preserve them from extinction.