Norwood to back animal conservation research

Melbourne biotech Norwood Abbey (ASX:NAL) is to sponsor a Monash Institute of Reproduction and Development group dedicated to research into the conservation and preservation of Australian animals.

The Norwood Animal Conservation Group (NACG), launched yesterday, comprises the Animal Gene Storage Resource Centre of Australia, as well as the cryobiology and embryo and reproductive biology groups at the Monash Institute.

It uses genetics and reproductive technology to investigate reproductive processes, develop procedures to collect and store reproductive resources such as gametes, embryos and tissue specimens, and adapt reproductive techniques to assist with breeding in both captive and wild populations.

According to NACG director Dr Ian Gunn, the fragmentation of endangered species populations, caused by land clearing and other practices, has led to inbreeding and a need to maintain the genetics in the isolated populations.

"There is a continual race to help save our wildlife," Gunn said. "We can't afford to lose more species."

Projects such as investigation of the reproductive cycle of species including the eastern quoll and the sugar glider will assist with conservation efforts to save endangered species including the western quoll and Leadbeater's possum, he said. Endangered fish species including the Murray River cod are also of interest to the group.

Norwood Abbey's VP of corporate development, Bernie Romanin, said the company, which has had a long relationship with Monash, was pleased to be involved in the program. As well as providing an unspecified level of financial support, he said, Norwood also hoped to provide technical support to the NACG.

Gunn said the animal conservation program was started at Monash IRD when it was recognised that genetic and reproductive technologies being developed for human and livestock breeding purposes could also be of benefit to the conservation of endangered species.

The Animal Gene Storage Resource Centre of Australia, which was established in 1995, has stored the genetic resources of over 100 species, he said.