Preserving Tomorrow’s Possibilities: How Biobanking Supports Species Conservation
- By Taylor Johnson
As conservation challenges continue to grow, so does the need to protect not only species and their habitats, but the genetic diversity that helps them adapt and survive. One tool gaining increasing attention in conservation planning is biobanking: the collection and preservation of biological materials that may one day help support research, breeding programs, and species recovery efforts.
At the 2025 Conservation Science Alliance (CSA) Symposium, Dr. Andrew Mooney, Senior Conservation and Science Officer at Dublin Zoo, explored how living cell banks can contribute to global conservation priorities. His presentation highlighted both the promise of biobanking and the importance of collaboration in ensuring these resources are available when they are needed most.
What is Biobanking?
Biobanking is a broad term used to describe the collection and storage of biological materials from animals, including blood, tissue, serum, reproductive material, and living cells.
Traditional biobanking typically involves preserving samples in freezers for future research, diagnostics, or genetic analysis. These collections provide valuable information about species and populations over time.
Cryopreservation takes this a step further. By storing living cells, sperm, eggs, or reproductive tissues at ultra-low temperatures in liquid nitrogen, these materials may retain their biological function and could potentially be used in future assisted reproduction or conservation programs. Together, these approaches create biological archives that can help safeguard genetic diversity for future generations.
Preserving Options for the Future
For many species, genetic diversity is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain. Habitat loss, small population sizes, disease, and other threats can reduce the genetic variation needed for long-term resilience.
Biobanking provides an opportunity to preserve some of that diversity before it is lost. “The reality is, we don’t yet know all the ways these resources will be used,” says Mooney. “Which makes it even more important to preserve them before the opportunity is gone.”
As conservation science advances, preserved biological materials may support new research questions, breeding strategies, and technologies that have yet to be developed. By protecting these resources today, institutions help create options for future conservation efforts.
Why Collaboration Matters
While biobanking often focuses on individual samples, its success depends on collective action.
Conservation opportunities can be rare and time-sensitive. Without coordination, valuable genetic material may never be collected or preserved. Institutions working together can help ensure resources are used efficiently and that efforts contribute to broader conservation goals.
“When institutions work together, we’re far less likely to miss opportunities to collect and preserve genetic material from species on the brink of extinction,” Mooney explains.
The Role of Zoos and Aquariums
Modern zoos and aquariums play an important role in biobanking initiatives. Animals in human care provide opportunities to collect biological samples that may not be available elsewhere. When combined with strong records, pedigree information, and long-term population management through ZIMS, these collections can become valuable resources for conservation planning.
Biobanking efforts also support the broader One Plan Approach to conservation by helping connect ex situ and in situ conservation strategies. Preserving genetic diversity is not solely about the animals in human care today, but also about maintaining options that may benefit species across their entire range in the future.
Continuing the Conversation
As biobanking technologies continue to evolve, so do the opportunities (and challenges!) surrounding their use. Conversations like those taking place at the CSA Symposium help conservation professionals share knowledge, discuss emerging science, and identify opportunities for collaboration.
“These conversations are energizing,” says Mooney. “They remind us what’s possible and what’s at stake.”
By bringing together researchers, zoo and aquarium professionals, conservation planners, and other experts from around the world, these discussions help ensure that conservation continues to adapt, innovate, and prepare for the future.
Learn more about the Conservation Science Alliance and the CSA Symposium.
