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March 2nd, 2026 - A recent study published in PLOS ONE has shed light on public perceptions of Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) in wildlife conservation across Czechia, Germany, and Italy.
The research, conducted as part of the BMBF supported BioRescue project, highlights public attitudes toward ART, awareness of the biodiversity crisis, and ethical considerations surrounding the use of these technologies to save critically endangered species, such as the Northern White Rhinoceros (NWR).
„The study revealed a high level of public acceptance for the use of classical ART in wildlife conservation. Despite a general preference for traditional conservation methods, such as protected areas and zoological gardens, respondents recognized the importance of ART as a complementary strategy to address the biodiversity crisis,“ Pierfrancesco Biasetti, scientist at the German Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (Leibniz-IZW) and the Ethics Laboratory for Veterinary Medicine, Conservation, and Animal Welfare at University of Padova comments. Czech respondents showed the highest acceptance of innovative approaches, while German and Italian respondents expressed more caution, emphasizing the need for ethical oversight. The survey highlighted a strong environmental concern among respondents, with a fair awareness of the ecological crisis.
The study emphasized the importance of raising awareness about the rhinoceros crisis. While respondents correctly identified poaching as the primary threat to rhinos, they underestimated the role of political and social unrest in driving extinction risks. The scientists recommend improving communication about the broader contexts that contribute to poaching and habitat loss.
„Media coverage was found to play a significant role in shaping public awareness of conservation issues. Czech respondents demonstrated higher awareness of the rhinoceros crisis, which correlated with greater media coverage of the topic in the country. The study highlights the potential of sustained communication efforts by zoos and conservation institutions to enhance public understanding and support for conservation initiatives. Our colleagues at Safari Park Dvůr Králové in Czechia are very active in rhino conservations and this reflects in higher awareness in the country,“ says Steven Seet, head of strategic communication and scientist at the Leibniz-IZW and PhD student of Padua University in Italy.
The study underscores the importance of ethical reflection in the development and application of ART in conservation. Respondents across all three countries agreed that while individual animals may contribute to species conservation, their welfare should not be compromised. Ethical oversight was particularly emphasized by German respondents, highlighting the need for structured ethical analysis to address public concerns and ensure responsible implementation of these technologies.
The scientists outline a set of measures aimed at strengthening public understanding and acceptance of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) in conservation. First, communication efforts should place greater emphasis on local and European species at risk, which often receive less public attention than charismatic, non-native animals. Increasing awareness of the specific threats facing regional biodiversity can foster a stronger sense of responsibility and engagement. Second, it is important to frame innovative technologies as complementary to, rather than replacements for, established conservation strategies. Demonstrating how traditional habitat protection, species management, and advanced biotechnologies can operate in synergy may reduce skepticism toward emerging methods. Third, embedding ART within the broader One Health framework can make its relevance clearer by highlighting the interdependence of ecosystem integrity, animal well-being, and human health. Finally, sustained investment in ethical research and transparent governance should accompany technological development to ensure responsible application, build trust, and meet societal expectations regarding accountability and moral responsibility.
„This groundbreaking study provides valuable insights into public perceptions of ART in wildlife conservation and highlights the importance of communication and ethical reflection in fostering acceptance of these innovative approaches. As the biodiversity crisis continues to threaten ecosystems worldwide, the integration of traditional and advanced conservation strategies, supported by public engagement and ethical oversight, will be crucial to protecting endangered species and preserving biodiversity for future generations,“ Barbara de Mori, Head of the Ethics Laboratory for Veterinary Medicine, Conservation, and Animal Welfare at University of Padova says.
Publication
Biasetti P, Hildebrandt T, Seet S, Stejskal J, Giardullo P, Göritz F, Holtze S, Galli C, Šťastný M, de Mori B (2026): Perceptions of assisted reproductive technologies in wildlife conservation: Public expectations and ethical implications across three EU countries. PLOS ONE. PONE-D-25-30141R2. https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0342094
Photos
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Boilerplates
Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (Leibniz-IZW)
The Leibniz-IZW is an internationally renowned German research institute of the Forschungsverbund Berlin e.V. and a member of the Leibniz Association. Our mission is to examine evolutionary adaptations of wildlife to global change and develop new concepts and measures for the conservation of biodiversity. To achieve this, our scientists use their broad interdisciplinary expertise from biology and veterinary medicine to conduct fundamental and applied research – from molecular to landscape level – in close dialogue with the public and stakeholders. Additionally, we are commiJed to unique and high-quality services for the scientific community.
www.izw-berlin.de
www.BioRescue.org
Safari Park Dvůr Králové
Safari Park Dvůr Králové is a safari park in the Czech Republic with the largest collection of African animals in Europe and with excellent results in their breeding. More than 5,500 African antelopes, approximately 800 zebras, almost 300 giraffes, or over 300 African wild dogs have been born in the park. It is also one of the best rhino breeders outside of Africa and the only place where the northern white rhino bred in human care - both remaining females, Najin and Fatu, were born here. Safari Park Dvůr Králové coordinates scientific efforts to save the northern white rhinos and repeatedly returned the black rhino and other African ungulates such as roan antelopes, sable antelopes, or addax to the wild spaces of Africa.
hJps://safaripark.cz/en/
Avantea
Avantea is a world leading laboratory of advanced technologies for biotechnology research and animal reproduction based in Cremona, Italy. It is the only laboratory that succeeded in generating viable rhinoceros embryos. Avantea has over twenty years of experience and the know-how in assisted reproduction of livestock developed through years of research conducted in the biomedical and animal reproduction fields.
www.avantea.it/en/
University of Padua
University of Padua in Italy is one of the oldest in the world, celebrating 800 years. Its Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science is developing leading research and education in the field of wildlife conservation and welfare with a special focus on ethical assessment and evaluation of research projects and educational programs developed by the Ethics Laboratory for Veterinary Medicine, Conservation and Animal Welfare.
hJps://www.unipd.it/en/ hJps://www.bca.unipd.it/en/
Contacts
Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (Leibniz-IZW)
Dr Pierfrancesco Biasetti
Scientist in the Department of Reproduction Management
Phone: +39/349 282 5959
Email: biasetti@izw-berlin.de
Steven Seet
Strategic Communication
Scientist in the Department of Reproduction Management Phone: +49/15224573519
Email: seet@izw-berlin.de
Safari Park Dvůr Králové
Jan Stejskal
BioRescue project coordinator and Director of International Projects
Phone: +420608009072
Email: jan.stejskal@zoodk.cz
Avantea
Prof. Cesare Galli
Director
Phone: +390 / 0372437242
Email: cesaregalli@avantea.it
University of Padua
Prof. Barbara de Mori
Director of the Ethics Laboratory for Veterinary Medicine, Conservation and Animal Welfare, Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science
Phone: +39-3403747666
Email: barbara.demori@unipd.it
Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (Leibniz-IZW)
Dr Pierfrancesco Biasetti
Scientist in the Department of Reproduction Management
Phone: +39/349 282 5959
Email: biasetti@izw-berlin.de
Steven Seet
Strategic Communication
Scientist in the Department of Reproduction Management Phone: +49/15224573519
Email: seet@izw-berlin.de
Biasetti P, Hildebrandt T, Seet S, Stejskal J, Giardullo P, Göritz F, Holtze S, Galli C, Šťastný M, de Mori B (2026): Perceptions of assisted reproductive technologies in wildlife conservation: Public expectations and ethical implications across three EU countries. PLOS ONE. PONE-D-25-30141R2. https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0342094
Embryo transfer in Southern White Rhino surrogate mother
Source: Marvin Rio
Copyright: BioRescue/Marvin Rio
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