Introduction to Conservation Genetics

Abstract

The biological diversity of our planet is being depleted due to the direct and indirect consequences of human activity. As the size of animal and plant populations decrease, loss of genetic diversity reduces their ability to adapt to changes in the environment, with inbreeding depression an inevitable consequence for many species. This textbook provides a clear and comprehensive introduction to the importance of genetic studies in conservation. The text is presented in an easy-to-follow format with main points and terms clearly highlighted. Each chapter concludes with a concise summary, which, together with worked examples and problems and answers, emphasise the key principles covered. Text boxes containing interesting case studies and other additional information enrich the content throughout, and over 100 beautiful pen and ink portraits of endangered species help bring the material to life.

The genome-wide structure of two economically important indigenous Sicilian cattle breeds1

“…In animal breeding, the recommendation is to maintain N e of at least 50 to 100 individuals (Frankham, 1995). Monitoring F and f coefficients is crucial to implement conservation programs because it is a strategy to avoid inbreeding depression and, in the extreme the risk of extinction (Frankham et al, 2002). Moreover, managing the rates of inbreeding (F) and coancestry (f) provides a general framework to control the loss of variability by avoiding or alleviating the reductions in viability and fertility (Villanueva et al, 2004).…”

“…Maintaining high levels of genetic diversity and limiting the increase of inbreeding are the premise of any conservation program (Frankham et al, 2002). Single nucleotide polymorphism genotyping allows high-throughput interrogation of hundreds of thousands loci with high precision at an affordable cost that enables large-scale studies (Matukumalli et al, 2009).…”

Molecular phylogeography of endangered sharp-snouted pitviper (Deinagkistrodon acutus; Reptilia, Viperidae) in Mainland China

“…The information derived from molecular data of these studies, undetectable through traditional biogeography and demography, is essential to examining population dynamics and understanding evolutionary processes (Avise, 1994;Prior et al, 1997), and could provide the foundation for formulating and implementing any conservation and management plan (e.g., Frankham et al, 2002;Hrbek et al, 2005;Ma et al, 2006). In Mainland China, few such studies have been reported, and most of them involve endotherm species, fishes, and amphibians (e.g., Macey et al, 1998b;Murphy et al, 2000;Su et al, 2001;Pang et al, 2003;Perdices et al, 2004Perdices et al, , 2005Fu et al, 2005;Li et al, 2005;Zhao et al, 2005).…”

Conservation implications should guide the application of conservation genetics research

“…For example, Peakall & Sydes (1996) suggest that genetics research for species conservation is best applied to 4 particular scenarios: when it is not possible to conserve all populations and reserve design is a management option, when translocation of individuals is prescribed, when the species may be extensively clonal or inbreeding, and when the taxonomy of the species is uncertain. Alternatively, Frankham et al (2002) suggest that genetics research for species conservation is best applied if the species' taxonomy is unclear, if the population is small and/or fragmented, if the population is subject to harvesting, and if there are unknown aspects of the species' biology.…”

“…Peakall & Sydes 1996, Frankham et al 2002, our decision key offers a more structured evaluation process, is more user-friendly, and can be applied to questions beyond the domain of conservation genetics. The generality of our key enables conservation practitioners to assess myriad research projects from diverse fields using standardized evaluation criteria.…”