The AFZ’s research program has three key aims:

1. To retain the genetic resources of endangered, rare or valuable species.

2. To prevent further extinctions.

3. To use resources to maintain viable breeding populations.

We focus on…

Reproductive biology: understanding the secrets of the reproductive cycles of animals and their natural breeding timetables.

Embryology: investigating the development of the embryo and the capacity to manipulate development to improve breeding efficiency.

Cryobiology: refining the ability to process, protect and freeze tissue/cells so that they will survive indefinitely and when thawed, be viable for future use.

Assisted breeding techniques: using artificial procedures including insemination, embryo collection and transfers, inter- or intra-specific transfer and pregnancy and the ability to culture, mature and fertilise embryos in-vitro (outside the animal’s body).

We also collaborate with ecologists, geneticists, biochemists and others, to better understand the natural history of the species we study and to work in collaboration on Australian Species Recovery programs.