Genome resource banking (collection, storage and use of germ plasm) has emerged as a potentially powerful tool to assist in managing and conserving endangered species. The development of genome resource banks is multi-faceted. This thesis focused on aspects of population genetics and the phenomenon of sperm capacitation, a fundamental biological process crucial to the use of germ plasm for assisted breeding (i.e., artificial insemination, in vitro fertilization). Computerized simulation modeling, using two endangered species models, the Eld's deer (Cervus eldi thamin ) and Pr-zewalski's horse (Equus przewalskii) clearly demonstrated the value of certain sperm storage and use strategies for maintaining genetic diversity in captive populations. Laboratory studies with Eld's deer sperm examining a host of conventional strategies (developed in livestock) demonstrated clear challenges in provoking capacitation and the acrosome reaction in the Eld's deer. This finding reaffirmed the importance of species-specific studies in wildlife research.

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