Vice-Rector for Biomedicine Andrey Kiyasov presented the initiative during a morning briefing on 30th July.
The project will be stationed in Kazan under the guidance of the Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution (Russian Academy of Sciences). President of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov requested Kazan Federal University, Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of Tatarstan, and Kazan Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences to prepare proposals on the matter.
Tatarstani experts visited Severtsov Institute and discussed all the relevant issues. The sides agreed on the concept. The Center will conduct research in ecology, physiology, genetics, and cytology of rare felines and work towards their preservation.
At this moment, the planned species are snow leopard, Pallas’s cat, European wildcat, sand cat, and leopard cat. Dr. Kiyasov informed that KFU and Severtsov Institute can work together on molecular and genetic specifics of the snow leopard, where KFU will provide its infrastructure in genomics and post-genomics and conduct gene expression analysis and tests of gut microbiota.
Kazan University also works on creating species-specific medications to stimulate regenerative processes in felines with injuries.
The Center will also help in opening a new master program at KFU, tentatively titled Bioecology and Nature Reserve Studies.
Source text: Leisan Zakirova
Photo: Nikita Tokhtasinov
Translation: Yury Nurmeev