The wildlife biobanking of germ cells for in situ and ex situ conservation in Japan

Japan arcs from north to south and is abundant in biodiversity with different climates in each region. Japan has many endemic species/populations, such as the Tsushima leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis euptilurus) and the Okinawa rail (Hypotaenidia okinawae), which threaten to become endangered. Furthermore, Japan is one of the countries with the highest number of zoos and aquariums in the world and keeps many wildlife species, many of which are endangered, in captive environments. Effective management of genetic diversity and acceleration of reproduction are essential for the conservation of endangered species, both inside and outside their natural habitats. Germ cell preservation and assisted reproductive technologies have great potential to rescue genetic resources and contribute to the reproduction of endangered species. The long-term preservation of germ cells in Japan is reviewed here in the context of the biodiversity maintenance of germ cells from animals that have died under human care or natural habitats in Japan. We also present a review of our cross-disciplinary strategy to conserve endangered species using germ cell preservation as a genetic resource with genomic and endocrine research. •Japan owns many endemic species, many of which are endangered.•In situ and ex situ germ cell preservation contribute to the conservation of endangered animals.•Wildlife biobanking are valuable resource for wildlife reproduction.•Networks for wildlife biobanking have been built in Japan.•Cross-disciplinary research with germ cell preservation will accelerate in situ and ex situ conservation.