I am Raffaella Simone, from Italy. I studied Biotechnologies for Innovation of Processes and Products at ‘Aldo Moro’ University of Bari (Italy), where I developed a strong interest into Assisted Reproduction Techniques (ART), especially in veterinary field. Therefore, I pursued my studies in this field and obtained a master’s degree in Reproductive Biotechnologies at University of Teramo (Italy). The research project for my master’s thesis, in collaboration with University of Bari, was focused on cats (felis catus) as reproductive model for big felids. During this research, I became more passionate about ART as a tool for mammals’ preservation. Joining EUROVA network at the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW) is a perfect opportunity to deepen my knowledge in ART strategies aimed to the conservation of endangered species.

The family Rhinocerontidae is under grave threat of extinction; three of the five extant species are listed as critical endangered (Sumatran, Javan and Black Rhinoceros). Female individuals of the Rhino species develop severe reproductive pathologies if they do not get pregnant. The loss of uterine integrity combined with pregnancy failure precedes deterioration of oocyte quality, ART offers a window of opportunity to rescue the genetic resources of critically endangered Rhinos by transferring in vitro production embryos into related or subspecies healthy surrogates. The aim of my project is to develop novel ART strategies that can be translated into practical conservation tools, serving as a blue print for saving critically endangered mammalian species from extinction.