Landscape genetics investigates the influence of landscape, habitat, and environmental factors on a species genetic population structure structure
Something temporarily or permanently constructed, built, or placed; and constructed of natural or manufactured parts including, but not limited to, a building, shed, cabin, porch, bridge, walkway, stair steps, sign, landing, platform, dock, rack, fence, telecommunication device, antennae, fish cleaning table, satellite dish/mount, or well head.
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Results from landscape genetic analyses can be used to identify and prioritize areas for habitat conservation, such as important migration corridors and areas containing high levels of genetic diversity. It can also help determine which environmental variables are most crucial for maintaining genetic diversity and the long-term resilience for a given species.
Landscape genetics ensures conservation efforts go where they are most needed.
The round rocksnail, Leptoxis ampla, is a federally threatened freshwater snail from central Alabama. Prior to 2019, almost nothing was known about the species except how it laid its eggs, but recent genetics work conducted by the Conservation Genetics Lab at the Warm Springs Fish Technology Center revealed important differences in the genetic diversity of the species that helped guide conservation actions. Contrary to expectations, populations in the main stem of the river have more genetic diversity than smaller tributary populations. But low connectivity among tributary populations means tributaries have unique diversity. As such, tributary populations need to be protected to maintain evolutionary potential, and mainstem populations need to be maintained to preserve overall genetic diversity. As climate change climate change
Climate change includes both global warming driven by human-induced emissions of greenhouse gases and the resulting large-scale shifts in weather patterns. Though there have been previous periods of climatic change, since the mid-20th century humans have had an unprecedented impact on Earth's climate system and caused change on a global scale.
Learn more about climate change and habitat loss put additional stresses on threatened and endangered species, conservation genetics can help target the right resources where they are most needed.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Conservation Genetics Community of Practice
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Conservation Genetics Community of Practice is spread across six regional genetics labs and the staff at the Service’s National Fish and Wildlife Forensics Lab. For over a decade these facilities have been pioneering genetics research to benefit the conservation of fish, wildlife, and plants.