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Conservation Genetics

Conservation genetics in an interdisciplinary field that combines traditional genetics with, among others, molecular biology, ecology, and mathematical modeling. It is a science that focuses mainly on animals that are endangered or threatened, and seeks to answer questions regarding the reasons why the animals are in their predicament and what can be done to help them out of it. The need for this science arises when the habitat of a population of animals comes under threat, whether due to man-made or natural reasons. Also, conservation genetics becomes useful when scientists are seeking to understand the factors related to the decrease in numbers of a specific breed, since such an issue can directly affect genetic diversity.

Genetic diversity is the characteristic that allows a specie to have many similar versions of the same organism, thus ensuring a better rate of survival. For example, the fact that a dog has many different breeds means it is less likely to be wiped out by a single bacteria. Genetic diversity is an essential tool for ensuring the continuing health and security of life.

Some of the benefits that conservation genetics has brought to wildlife conservation are: non-invasive detection of species presence/absence, wildlife forensics, mating system analysis, population connectivity and migration, and the estimation of population size and sex ratio.

Web Resources On Conservation Genetics

Wildlife Conservation Genetics
Conservation Genetics

Book Resources On Conservation Genetics

Introduction to Conservation Genetics by Richard Frankham, et al
Molecular Genetic Approaches in Conservation by Thomas B. Smith (Editor), Robert K. Wayne (Editor)

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