The use of Genetics in Plant Conservation Biology
Workshop sponsored by Natural England and JNCC
JNCC, Peterborough, 25th to 26th October 2007
Organisers:
Richard Ennos (University of Edinburgh)
Pete Hollingsworth (Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh)
Background and Rationale
The conservation of genetic biodiversity is an integral goal of many national and
international conservation programmes. In addition, genetic markers are also widely used
to tackle ecological and taxonomic questions in ‘flagship’ conservation species to provide
underpinning information to guide management strategies. However, while there are
potentially great benefits in the application of genetics to conservation biology, these
benefits depend on appropriate technologies and analyses being used to tackle
appropriate questions.
Conservation biologists require clear, practical guidelines on the situations in
which genetic data can serve to inform, and also cases where genetic information is likely
to be of secondary importance. This workshop is being organised in response to requests
from conservationists to provide such guidelines, and also to provide a forum for
exchange of ideas and priorities between conservationists and researchers.
The aim of this workshop is to provide an overview of the key concepts and
applications of conservation genetics, and to promote discussions regarding further
development of conservation strategies and the implementation of conservation research
and action. The workshop will be based around a series of presentation each followed by
discussion (see attached programme for further details). The presentations will draw
heavily on case-study examples. The workshop will focus on plants, but many of the
principles are relevant to other taxonomic groups. Cases where the use of genetic data
can be simply applied in a conservation context will be highlighted, as will areas where
further research is required before demonstrable practical benefits can be achieved.
As the workshop begins with an introductory session and foundation module, no
previous knowledge of genetics is required. The workshop is aimed at conservation
practitioners, but will also be suitable as an introduction to conservation genetics for
research students interested in conservation biology.
The workshop will be held at JNCC headquarters at: Monkstone House, City
Road, Peterborough, PE1 1JY. The evening session on the 25th October will be held at
the Bull Hotel Peterborough: Bull Hotel, Westgate, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, PE1
1RB (http://www.bull-hotel-peterborough.com/).
The use of Genetics in Plant Conservation Biology
PROGRAMME DETAILS
Venue Monkstone House:
25th October (10.45 – 12.30)
1) Introductory session and foundation module
Definitions of conservation genetics and introduction of major workshop themes
Background to terminology/concepts/approaches
Major determinants of the amounts and partitioning of genetic diversity
Types of genetic information (molecular approaches, non-molecular approaches)
How genetic diversity is quantified
25th October (1.30 – 5.30)
2) The management of genetic biodiversity
Modern conservation programmes typically recognise biodiversity at three levels: habitat
diversity, species diversity and genetic diversity. Whilst action plans for species and
habitat diversity are usually clearly expressed, clear targeted strategies for the
conservation of genetic biodiversity are rarely presented. This session will cover: types of
genetic diversity, how it is distributed, how it is lost, what the problems associated with
loss are, and some thoughts on its management. A particular focus of this section will be
on the genetic issues associated with small population sizes.
Topics:
Value of genetic diversity
Organisation of genetic biodiversity over different spatial/temporal scales
Factors that may lead to the erosion of genetic biodiversity
Genetic resource management and conservation strategies both in situ and ex situ
Evening session (venue Bull Hotel): discussion on topics raised during the day, and
opportunity for workshop delegates to raise practical examples of where genetic issues
are a potential concern in their work.
Venue Monkstone House:
26th October (9.15 – 10.30)
3) The use of genetic markers to study reproductive ecology and dispersal
Halting and reversing the decline of a threatened species ultimately requires successful
reproduction and dispersal. However, for most threatened species little is know about
modes of reproduction, effective scales of dispersal, and what factors limit reproduction
and dispersal. This session will cover the how genetic markers can be useful in getting
insights into plant reproductive ecology.
Topics:
The importance of successful reproduction and dispersal for species survival
Mode of reproduction
Spatial scales of gene flow
26th October (11.00 – 12.30)
4) The use of genetic data in restoration ecology
Active conservation programmes frequently involve re-introductions/population
establishment as part of landscape restoration programmes. However, for these
programmes to be successful, consideration needs giving to the choice and sampling of
donor material. This session will cover the genetic issues associated with this choice of
donor material.
Topics:
Choosing material for reintroductions
Local versus non-local provenance
Ecology versus geography versus genetics as criteria for donors
Inbreeding depression versus outbreeding depression
Designing translocation programmes and the establishment of population
networks
26th October (1.30 – 2.30)
5) The use of genetic markers in a taxonomic context
To assess whether a given species is common or rare and what its conservation needs are,
it first needs to be identified and recognised. In many groups of organisms, taxonomic
uncertainty can impede the development of appropriate conservation programmes. This
session will assess how genetic markers can be useful in taxonomy, focusing on (a) DNA
barcoding, and (b) genetic markers in taxonomically complex groups.
Topics:
Genetic marker-based taxonomic clarification and DNA barcoding
Extinction via hybridisation
The development of evolutionary-orientated conservation strategies
26th October (2.30 – 3.15)
6) Concluding session
When is genetics useful for conservation biology
When is genetics not useful for conservation biology
Emerging points from the meeting