The Frozen Ark Collecting DNA and Cell Samples of native endangered animals

Beneficiaries

  • Nature

    Endangered animals and the wider ecosystem. We are focusing on invertebrates as they are so crucial to the functioning of the whole ecosystem. Insects are important as food for larger animals, soil composition and pollinate flowers.

  • Reach of your work

    Will benefit individual animal species and the ecosystem.

ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION

We collect DNA and cell samples of endangered native species. These samples can be used to research wildlife disease, reintroduce genetic diversity and measure genetic diversity changes over time. These activities all aid the conservation of native wildlife. No animals will be harmed. For example, we want six trained volunteers to travel to the Cairngorms to collect DNA and cell samples of native endangered animals. We are seeking money to pay for travel and subsistence costs.

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BENEFICIARIES REACHED ANNUALLY

10000

This is impossible to quantify.

SIZE OF PROJECT PER ANNUM

£6,000.00

TIMELINE

Apr 2021 Onwards

Activity goals

To collect DNA and cell samples from 20 of the most endangered UK native animals.

To collect DNA and cell samples from 100 individual animals of each species for genetic diversity.

To cryopreserve all DNA and cell samples in our -80 freezer.

Activity Actions

  • Recruiting undergraduates, graduates and PHD volunteers and providing training.

  • Organising groups of volunteers to collect DNA and cell samples.

  • Taking DNA and cell samples back to the lab to cryopreserve.

  • Barcoding samples and entering them into the database.

  • Making DNA and cell samples available to conservation projects and scientists.

Activity details
GEOGRAPHIC REACH

Scotland: Nationwide

IMPACT REPORTING

Bi-annually

March 2021

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
UN SDG 15: Life on Land UN SDG 14: Life Below Water UN SDG 17: Partnerships to achieve the Goal
How we monitor the quality and results of our work

We audit our DNA and cell samples to ensure they are correctly cryopreserved.

OTHER PARTNERS

Darwin Tree of Life

We undertake joint expeditions.