Abstract: For decades, wildlife research has been a reactive field, scientists often lack the “before” samples needed to measure the impact of environmental disasters or disease outbreaks. The University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) is changing this with the British Columbia Furbearer Project, Canada’s first dedicated wildlife biobank. By storing thousands of samples from species like lynx, marten, and beaver at -80°C, the bank creates a permanent “genetic library.” This allows researchers to look back in time, using new technologies to study animal health, diet, and toxin exposure from years prior, ensuring that northern data stays in the North.
What makes this initiative truly unique is its partnership with local trappers and First Nations. Instead of researchers waiting years to collect enough specimens for a study, they can now access an immediate repository of over 2,000 barcoded samples. This model not only speeds up the pace of discovery for Master’s and PhD students but also ensures that the people closest to the land have ownership over the data. By preserving a percentage of every sample for the next 40 years, UNBC is building a proactive shield for biodiversity that will support scientific breakthroughs for generations to come.
Get the full article here: https://www.princegeorgecitizen.com/local-news/unbcs-biobank-is-changing-how-researchers-study-wildlife-12180732
