Conservation Genetics

Conservation genetics is the application of the tools and concepts of genetics to the conservation of biological resources. Once too sophisticated and expensive for routine use, the tools of conservation genetics are now widely used to address many complex management questions. These novel methods of analysis can augment assessments made with traditional methods and can bring new information to light. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is well suited to provide scientific information and expertise using these tools to support the management of biological resources. The management applications of conservation genetics include inferring relationships to identify units of management and evaluate taxonomy, identifying individuals for estimation of population characteristics, associating environmental features with breaks in genetic continuity, and propagating wild or domesticated stocks.

Conservation Genetics in the USGS fact sheet: http://pubs.usgs.gov/fs/2006/3108/

	Research Activities Genetics and genomics USGS biology research is supported by the USGS Biology Science Programs. Amphibians and Reptiles Alameda Whipsnake, Bog Turtle, Boreal Toad, Jefferson Salamanders, Midget Faded Rattlesnake, Pacific Northwest Amphibians, Spotted Salamanders, Western Shovel-Nosed Snake, Wood Frogs Corals Coral Family Tree, Deep-Sea Community, Lophelia pertusa, USGS DISCOVRE Expedition Insects, Chelicerates, and Crustaceans Fairy Shrimps, Horseshoe Crabs, Jerusalem Crickets, Madison Cave Isopods Mammals Black Bears, Brown Bears, Grizzly Bears, Indiana Bats, Key Largo Woodrats, Manatees, Migratory Tree Bats, Mountain Lions, Nutrias, Preble's Meadow Jumping Mouse Plants American Ginseng Birds Broad-tailed Hummingbird, Greater Sage Grouse, Gunnison Sage Grouse, Kirtland's Warbler, Lesser Prairie-Chicken, Micronesian Kingfisher, Mountain Plover, Puerto Rican Parrot, Snowy Plover, Spotted Owl, Spotted/Barred Owl Hybrid, Trumpeter Swan, White-tailed Ptarmigan Fish Arctic Cisco, Atlantic Salmon, Atlantic Sturgeon, Brook Trout, Candy Darter, Crystal Darter, Northern Snakehead, Pallid Sturgeon, Razorback Sucker, Shortnose Sucker Landscapes Southern California Mollusks Clubshells, Freshwater Mollusks, Island Applesnails, Pigtoes