The application of genetic indicators in wild populations: Potential and pitfalls for genetic monitoring [Chapter 15]

Abstract

The genetic aspects of biodiversity and conservation have been long recognised as important to the viability of populations and evolutionary potential of species (Lande 1988). Yet incorporating genetic considerations into conservation, management, and decision making has lagged behind this recognition (Mace et al. 2003; Laikre et al. 2010). Gene-level (genetic) diversity is required for maintaining fitness and for future evolution and consequently is fundamental to conservation of past and future biodiversity. Thus far, indicators of gene-level diversity have concentrated mostly on agricultural populations, such as food crops (Brown 2008) and forestry products (Boyle 2000). In wild populations, the primary application has been conservation of genetic diversity in the wild relative of crop plants (Laikre et al. 2010).

Citation

Pierson, Jennifer; Luikart, Gordon; Schwartz, Michael. 2015. The application of genetic indicators in wild populations: Potential and pitfalls for genetic monitoring [Chapter 15]. In: Lindenmayer D. B.; Barton, P.; Pierson, J. C., eds. Indicators and surrogates of biodiversity and environmental change. Melbourne, Australia: CSIRO Publishing. p. 149-159.