RZSS WildGenes

• Welcome to WildGenes!

  The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) is home to RZSS WildGenes, an amazing team of geneticists, scientists and researchers using genetic data to help look after nature around the world. On this adult-learning programme, we look into some of the projects our WildGenes team are involved in, and some of the science that goes on behind the scenes in the only zoo-based conservation genetics lab in the UK!

  
  

• What is RZSS Wildgenes?

  The mission and work of RZSS WildGenes is impressive, as it highlights a commitment to leveraging advanced genetic and genomic technologies for the conservation of threatened species.

  The team is made up of the laboratory technicians that generate genetic sequence data, our scientists that run bioinformatic analyses on our high-powered computer and our Biobank staff, who store all the frozen samples from animals all over the world. By generating genetic sequence data and analysing the DNA differences between animals, the team are able to answer a range of critical conservation questions.

  What do the RZSS Wildgenes team do?

  RZSS WildGenes leverages advanced genetic and genomic technologies to conserve threatened species, focusing on both in-situ (wild) and ex-situ (breeding and reintroduction) management. Their work is crucial for monitoring, recovering, and protecting species facing threats like habitat loss, illegal trade, and climate change. Key areas of focus include:

  • In-situ Monitoring: Using genetic data to assess wild populations' genetic diversity and census size for informed conservation decisions.
  • Ex-situ Management and Reintroduction: Supporting breeding programs, assessing hybridisation and ensuring genetic diversity is maintained in captive populations, while aiding reintroductions to the wild.
  • Tackling Illegal Wildlife Trade: Using genetics to trace wildlife products.

  RZSS WildGenes collaborates with governments, universities, and conservation organizations globally, using non-invasive sampling techniques to gather critical data without disturbing species. Their efforts are significant both locally (in Scotland and the UK) and internationally, adapting to the needs of diverse species and ecosystems.

• Conservation Genetics

  

  What is genetics, and how can it help conservation efforts?

  About WildGenes  

  Where in the world?

  

  WildGenes works to protect different species all around the world.

  Find out more

  Look inside the lab!

  

  Explore the UK's only zoo based conservation genetics lab.

  Explore now
• WildGenes around the world SCORM package
• Explore the WildGenes Lab Interactive Content
• Glossary of terms used on this programme
• About this programme

  

  This programme has been specially created by our teams of learning and genetics experts to allow you to discover more about the world of conservation genetics!

  This has been a little taster of our full adult-learning programme, if you enjoyed finding out more about WildGenes, why not buy access to our full course?

  Buy your access to the full programme now!