Wildlife Conservation Genetics

In this course the basic concepts of conservation genetics will be explained. We will introduce measures of genetic variation and show its importance for the genetic health of populations. We briefly summarize the various evolutionary forces that shape animal biodiversity. The learned concepts will be used to evaluate the genetic management of mainly zoo populations. We will discuss various management strategies for both wild (in situ) and captive (ex situ) conservation programs in order to keep them genetically healthy and adaptable to changing environments. The relevance of biodiversity in relation to scientific, ethical and societal questions will be dealt with in a variety of (guest) lectures.
Key themes in the course are:

• Genetic variation and the relation to fitness and life histories;
• Measuring genetic variation with pedigrees and molecular data;
• The dynamics of genetic variation in small populations;
• Inbreeding depression and extinction;
• Genetic management of captive and wild populations;
• Measuring biodiversity and prioritising management units;
• Ethical issues and societal perspectives.
  These themes will be discussed and illustrated with successful and unsuccessful cases from wild populations and zoo breeding programmes.

After successful completion of this course students are expected to be able to:

• Explain and calculate measures of genetic variation based on pedigree and/or molecular data.
• Demonstrate how evolutionary forces shape genetic variation in populations.
• Relate measures of genetic variation to the genetic health of a population.
• Explain the interplay between genetic variation and other factors in the broader conservation context (e.g. demography, life history, biodiversity)
• Explain how to define and prioritise management units for conservation.
• Use genetic management tools and underlying concepts in wild and captive conservation plans and programs.
• Evaluate a conservation breeding program in terms of demography and genetics, and formulate recommendations for future population management
• Reflect on various (scientific, ethical and societal) perspectives, including criticisms, regarding conservation genetics

Assumed Knowledge:
GEN11806 Fundamentals of Genetics and Molecular Biology