Advancements in Animal Reproductive Biotechnology: Protecting the Future of Endangered Wildlife Species and Domestic Breeds

Dear Colleagues,

The preservation of biodiversity faces significant challenges. Climate change intensifies these vulnerabilities by altering weather patterns and reducing habitat suitability. Rapid human activities are also transforming natural environments into urban and industrial landscapes. Furthermore, drastic changes in ecosystems driven by human actions lead to substantial losses in habitat and resource availability, placing additional stress on endangered species. The introduction and spread of invasive species disrupt existing food webs and ecological balances, often outcompeting native species for resources. Additionally, environmental contaminants, such as pollutants and chemicals, have a negative impact on the reproductive health and genetic viability of both wildlife and livestock. Compounding these issues are the devastating effects of armed conflict, which often destroy habitats, disrupt conservation efforts, and displace populations of both wild and domestic animals.

In this context, advancements in animal reproductive biotechnology offer a critical opportunity to address these pressing threats to biodiversity. These innovative technologies provide essential tools that enhance conservation efforts, allowing for the preservation and propagation of genetic diversity among species facing extinction. This upcoming Special Issue, titled "Advancements in Animal Reproductive Biotechnology: Protecting the Future of Endangered Wildlife Species and Domestic Breeds", aims to highlight the latest research and innovations in this vital field.

We invite contributions that explore recent breakthroughs in assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs), including techniques such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), the cryopreservation of gametes and gonads, somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT), and genome editing. The focus will be on the practical applications of these techniques for endangered species and unique domestic breeds that are threatened by global stressors. We intend to demonstrate how these biotechnological advancements can effectively safeguard genetic resources, improve breeding programs, and ultimately promote the long-term survival of vulnerable animal populations.

Researchers are encouraged to submit original research articles, reviews, technical reports, and short communications that address not only the scientific and technical aspects of these innovations but also the ethical and practical considerations surrounding their application in conservation. This Special Issue aspires to facilitate a multidimensional dialog regarding the role of reproductive biotechnology in securing a sustainable future for animal biodiversity, especially considering the accelerating changes affecting our planet. By bringing together diverse perspectives and cutting-edge research, we hope to create collaborative pathways toward effective solutions that can preserve the rich tapestry of life on Earth.

Dr. Amin Sayyari
Prof. Dr. Ian Mayer
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Animals is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.