Conservation genetics

Within the next decade an estimated 1million species are likely to face extinction because of human activities potentially triggering Earth’s 6th mass extinction. Conservation biologists, including many veterinarians, are making use of state-of-the-art scientific methodology to reverse this trend. In this course will examine how genetics is used as a successful tool in conservation biology. Specifically, we will review basic population and quantitative genetics concepts through examples of conservation programs that were made highly successful because of genetics. The aim of this module is to provide veterinary students interested in wildlife conservation with a good understanding of how genetics techniques can be mobilised to improve conservation programs.