TY - JOUR
T1 - Current applications and future promise of genetic/genomic data for conservation in an Aotearoa New Zealand context
AU - Forsdick, Natalie J.
AU - Adams, Clare I.M.
AU - Alexander, Alana
AU - Clark, Anna C.
AU - Collier-Robinson, Levi
AU - Cubrinovska, Ilina
AU - Dowgray, Max Croll
AU - Dowle, Eddy J.
AU - Duntsch, Laura
AU - Galla, Stephanie J.
AU - Howell, Lucy
AU - Magid, Molly
AU - Rayne, Aisling
AU - Verry, Alexander J.F.
AU - Wold, Jana R.
AU - Steeves, Tammy E.
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© August 2022, New Zealand Department of Conservation.
PY - 2022
Y1 - 2022
N2 - The field of conservation biology has a long history of incorporating diverse disciplines into its ‘toolbox’ for improved outcomes. One such discipline is conservation genomics, which has experienced fast-paced growth and development over the last decade and offers exciting opportunities to help achieve the vision outlined in Aotearoa New Zealand’s national strategy for biodiversity – Te Mana o te Taiao. However, integrating these emerging methodologies into meaningful conservation practice has proven challenging, mostly due to uncertainty around the utility of these data and effective allocation of limited funding. This report addresses these challenges by outlining potential strategies for utilising genetic/genomics in conservation from the perspective of predominantly early-career conservation researchers working as Te Tiriti o Waitangi partners. It is intended to initiate discussion among conservation practitioners and researchers, mana whenua and local communities. To support practitioners in identifying appropriate and cost-effective genetic/genomic tools, their associated costs and benefits for informing conservation management are presented. Because conservation genetic/genomic data generated for – and associated with – taonga (treasured) species are also taonga, the report emphasises the need for collaborative research partnerships that centre the needs, aspirations and expertise of mana whenua, and highlights key aspects of data management and sovereignty. A transdisciplinary approach to conservation that includes genetics/genomics is recommended.
AB - The field of conservation biology has a long history of incorporating diverse disciplines into its ‘toolbox’ for improved outcomes. One such discipline is conservation genomics, which has experienced fast-paced growth and development over the last decade and offers exciting opportunities to help achieve the vision outlined in Aotearoa New Zealand’s national strategy for biodiversity – Te Mana o te Taiao. However, integrating these emerging methodologies into meaningful conservation practice has proven challenging, mostly due to uncertainty around the utility of these data and effective allocation of limited funding. This report addresses these challenges by outlining potential strategies for utilising genetic/genomics in conservation from the perspective of predominantly early-career conservation researchers working as Te Tiriti o Waitangi partners. It is intended to initiate discussion among conservation practitioners and researchers, mana whenua and local communities. To support practitioners in identifying appropriate and cost-effective genetic/genomic tools, their associated costs and benefits for informing conservation management are presented. Because conservation genetic/genomic data generated for – and associated with – taonga (treasured) species are also taonga, the report emphasises the need for collaborative research partnerships that centre the needs, aspirations and expertise of mana whenua, and highlights key aspects of data management and sovereignty. A transdisciplinary approach to conservation that includes genetics/genomics is recommended.
KW - conservation genetics
KW - conservation genomics
KW - genetic diversity
KW - genome sequencing and assembly
KW - Indigenous data sovereignty
KW - molecular markers
KW - New Zealand
KW - threatened species management
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85140600432&partnerID=8YFLogxK
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:85140600432
SN - 1173-2946
VL - 2022
SP - 1
EP - 57
JO - Science for Conservation
JF - Science for Conservation
IS - 337
ER -