This is the first time in human history that, using IVF and ICSI-a technique employed to treat infertile patients-a team of Australian researchers at the University of Queensland has established the first embryos of kangaroo. This makes it a gigantic leap toward developing the use of IVF to save endangered marsupials from extinction.
According to lead researcher Dr. Andres Gambini, the breakthrough is major and contributes to the preservation of Australia’s rich diversity in marsupial fauna. Australia boasts the greatest diversity of marsupial fauna on the face of the earth but also a mammal extinction rate of the highest proportions. Our ultimate goal is to support the preservation of endangered marsupial species like koalas, Tasmanian devils, northern hairy-nosed wombats, and Leadbeater’s possums, Gambini said.
More than 20 embryos have successfully been produced utilizing ICSI as a technique on kangaroos that died within wildlife hospitals for the collection of sperm and eggs. This provides a sustainable mean of preserving the genetic material especially for conservation purpose. The animals chosen for research were eastern gray kangaroos, which offered a larger supply of genetic stock.
ICSI works at very low viable sperm, which makes it an excellent tool for the conservation of species with low quality. According to Dr. Gambini, “We don’t need millions of sperm alive, we just need a few of them.”
While the team does not intend to take the IVF embryos to term with eastern grey kangaroos, they are refining the technology to understand marsupial reproductive physiology better. The bigger goal is to preserve genetic material from deceased animals, thus preserving biodiversity and ensuring the survival of vulnerable species. “We need genetic variability in a population to guarantee its survival over time and its ability to adapt to the environment,” he added.
Australia is the most endangered country, where 38 mammal species are extinct since the colonization time.
