Conservation implications should guide the application of conservation genetics research

Abstract

Genetics research can reveal important insights into the effective management of species at risk, yet research does not often translate into meaningful management outcomes. Before engaging in genetics research, conservation practitioners should carefully consider the resulting management outcomes by identifying the potential results of the proposed research, the conservation implications of the results, whether these implications call for a change in management practices, and whether such a change is possible. We provide a decision key to aid practitioners in evaluating the merit of a particular genetics research question, and we demonstrate the use of this key with 2 example research questions.

Bringing genetic diversity to the forefront of conservation policy and management

“…Conservation genetic scientists should also examine the potential management and policy implications of their work, especially before beginning a particular study, in order to produce knowledge and understanding that will truly be applied to the issue or species in question. Howes et al (2009) propose a decision key to assist evaluation of the "conservation merit of genetics research questions," and demonstrate its use with several case studies.…”

Conservation Genetic Resources for Effective Species Survival (ConGRESS): Bridging the divide between conservation research and practice

“…Decision-support tools are important for guiding decision-makers to specific actions, and can also be used to spark discussions and highlight knowledge gaps (Howes et al 2009). The "Decision-Making Tool" provides a formal path for practitioners to identify how conservation genetics can help them address familiar management issues and questions.…”

“…Genetic data is well-integrated in North American conservation efforts and policy, especially for delimiting units for conservation (Fallon 2007;Howes et al 2009). To truly embed, enhance and broaden consideration of genetic biodiversity in conservation within the EU and globally will require explicit recognition of genetic diversity in official policy at multiple levels.…”

UKURAN MORFOMETRIK DAN MERISTIK PADA TRENGGILING JAWA (Manis javanica Desmarest, 1822) DARI PULAU SUMATERA, JAWA DAN KALIMANTAN

“…Pengetahuan tentang morfometrik dan meristik bagian-bagian tubuh trenggiling dapat diaplikasikan untuk menduga umur (Gaubert dan Antunes, 2005;Hopkins dan David, 2009;Howes et al, 2009;Xia et al, 2011). Ukuran morfologi trenggiling yang diperkirakan dapat digunakan dalam pendugaan umur adalah lingkar dada, panjang kepala sampai badan, panjang ekor, dan ukuran sisik.…”