In wildlife conservation and research it is very common for researchers to take blood samples from animals or birds they are studying. These samples are taken from animals in the field then analysed later back in a laboratory. The blood samples are taken for several reasons - the main ones being -
The first step is to take the sample. To do this the animal normally needs to be tranquilised, and with wildlife this is normally done by darting the animal. Click here to learn more about the darting process.
Checking for diseases helps researchers monitor the levels of diseases in both individual animals and the overall population being studied. The diseases checked for will vary depending on the species of animal (as different animals are susceptible to different diseases). With Cheetah for example, the blood samples may be tested for
Genetic studies allow researchers to look at the amount of genetic diversity within a population of animals and to compare their genetics to other populations located elsewhere - so for instance when studying the desert lions in Namibia, their genetic makeup can be compared to that of lions in Namibia's Etosha national park, and to lions in other parts of Africa. When looking at a single population, the DNA information can be used to look at how the animals are related - e.g. in lions it can show which of the lions in the pride are the offspring of the current dominant male lion and which of the lionesses gave birth to which cubs.
Blood samples can also be analysed to check for the presence of blood borne parasites such as various species of Babesia and Hepatozoon.
© Predator Conservation Trust.
