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Conservation genomics is the application of genomic analysis to the preservation of the viability of populations and the biodiversity of living organisms. Genomic methods can be used to argue species identity, degree of hybridization, genetic diversity, demographic history and effective population size.
The evolutionary genetics of a keystone savannah species the blue wildebeest, and the related black wildebeest, remain largely unexplored. This study finds evidence for archaic introgression of black wildebeest to blue wildebeest and detrimental effects of human activities on migratory populations.
High-quality genome assemblies, each generated using a single MinION flow cell, are reported for three critically endangered ash tree species, Fraxinus americana (white ash), F. nigra (black ash), and F. pennsylvanica (green ash).
Long-read sequencing of fish and plant samples demonstrate that ethanol suitably preserves field-collected specimens for genome assembly of organisms, reducing the necessity for cryogenic storage.
In this Perspective, Carolyn Hogg discusses the utility of genomic data to conservation and the importance of adopting a translational mindset to ensure that genomics is used to its full potential to protect Earths’ declining biodiversity.
Guhlin et al. sequenced the genomes of almost the entire extant population of the critically-endangered kākāpō, revealing genetic variants for fitness-related traits that can inform conservation strategies.
Genome sequences of all living kākāpō provide new approaches for evidence-based conservation management, including the identification of genomic regions that are associated with fitness traits, at a time of increased need for breeding programmes for species recovery.
Using whole-genome sequencing and haplotype tracking, Viluma et al. show that the small, highly inbred Scandinavian wolf population has lost substantial genetic diversity over a 30-year period. Their findings have important implications for the management and conservation of endangered species.
A paper in Nature Genetics reports a high-quality reference genome for the koala, with insights into its specialized lifestyle, and potential applications in vaccine development and conservation strategies.
