DIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION OF CHILEAN ZOOGENETIC RESOURCES

Abstract

The objective of this work was to demonstrate the importance of conserving the biodiversity of the zoogenetic resources (RZG) and to suggest how this can be done. The Chilean institutions related with the RZG were identified; those RZG considered more important and more vulnerable were also identified; the conservation practices used in Chile were described; and the main RZG existing in the country are described, according to category. The categories used were the RZG with a long adaptation history of Spanish origin (criollos), those with other origins, native RZG and naturalized exotic RZG. The basis to establish in the country a “RZG curator” is discussed and the main activities to be implemented are identified. The organization of national programmes for the conservation, improvement and the promotion of the RZG as well as the activities required to register new breeds were also explained.