Biobank
The long-term storage or “banking” of biological samples to promote and support knowledge generation was initiated by Veterinary Wildlife Services, Kruger National Park (VWS: KNP), in 2003 with the creation of a biobank in Skukuza. This bank focussed primarily on the storage of materials collected within KNP. The scope of the biobank was extend in 2012 with the establishment of a satellite bank in Kimberley which stores samples from other national parks. In creating a biobank, it was recognized that samples collected from animals captured for management or other purposes could contribute significantly to future research efforts. It would allow for the creation of temporal and spatial sample sets, and reduce the number of animals and associated resource requirements to capture animals specifically for biological materials in support of research projects.
Since the inception of the VWS Biobank, the number and types of samples, and quantities of material collected and stored from an individual animal have increased. Sample processing and storage techniques and facilities have progressively improved, and, in parallel, procedures for the supply and use of samples for research purposes have been developed. The management of samples and associated data, and sample provision procedures continuously evolve and improve to meet changing circumstances and demands.
The VWS Biobank is a unique store of biological samples representing free-ranging South African wildlife created in support of conservation efforts through promotion of knowledge generation, communication, institutional collaboration and capacity building. VWS aims to promote excellence in wildlife biological sample and data collection, processing, storage and accessibility at its biobank stations in the country.
Our objectives for the biobank:
- To collect, process and maintain in long-term storage high quality biological materials and data.
- To build capacity through education and training in analytical techniques and curatorship using animal biological resources, and provision of wildlife resources, biological and data, in support of under- and postgraduate student research activities.
- To evaluate requests for materials, provide quality wildlife resources, and manage resulting knowledge outputs.
- To promote and support applied research and innovation in conservation medicine and animal health including disease, species interfaces, molecular biology, toxicology, nutrition, parasitology, environmental contaminants, climate change, and pharmacology.
- To communicate knowledge through published literature, scientific presentations, electronic media, and interactions with professional and lay persons.
- To promote partnerships and collaborations in support of operational requirements, funding opportunities, research collaborations and outreach development