The biological diversity of wildlife populations worldwide is threatened. Population growth and man's ever-pressing need for natural resources is rapidly causing the decline and extinction of many animal species. In general, the scientific community agrees that new technologies which have been developed for improving humankind could be valuable for helping to conserve wild species. "Biotechnology", the collective term for those procedures useful for enhancing reproducing and curing diseases in humans and domestic livestock, may be a first line of defense in preserving endangered species. Presently, there are few funding programs specifically designed to support research which could benefit conservation of wildlife diversity. This two and one-half day workshop will gather together experts in the fields of reproduction, genetics, population and release biology, and stress and disease to discuss the most crucial areas of wildlife research deserving federal and private support. Two days of the meeting will concentrate on intense discussions and the preparation of a 15 to 20 page paper which will identify and prioritize the various areas of research needed. On the last half day of the workshop, leaders of the various discussion groups will present their findings and answer questions from invited representatives of federal and private funding organizations. The final workshop document will serve as a guide for all funding organizations interested in supporting species conservation.
