The Value of Reference Genomes in the Conservation of Threatened Species.

ABSTRACT: Conservation initiatives are now more crucial than ever-over a million plant and animal species are at risk of extinction over the coming decades. The genetic management of threatened species held in insurance programs is recommended; however, few are taking advantage of the full range of genomic technologies available today. Less than 1% of the 13505 species currently listed as threated by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) have a published genome. While there has been much discussion in the literature about the importance of genomics for conservation, there are limited examples of how having a reference genome has changed conservation management practice. The Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii), is an endangered Australian marsupial, threatened by an infectious

SUBMITTER: Brandies P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6895880 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature