Genomics and conservation: Guidance from training to analyses and applications
Lauren M. Schiebelhut, Annie S. Guillaume, Arianna Kuhn, Rena M. Schweizer, Ellie E. Armstrong, Mark Beaumont, Margaret Byrne, Ted Cosart, Brian K. Hand, Leif Howard, Steven M. Mussmann, Shawn R. Narum, Rita Rasteiro, Angel G. Rivera‐Colón, Norah P. Saarman, Arun Sethuraman, Helen R. Taylor, Gregg W.C. Thomas, Maren Wellenreuther, Gordon Luikart
Abstract
Environmental change is intensifying the biodiversity crisis and threatening species across the tree of life. Conservation genomics can help inform conservation actions and slow biodiversity loss. However, more training, appropriate use of novel genomic methods and communication with managers are needed. Here, we review practical guidance to improve applied conservation genomics. We share insights aimed at ensuring effectiveness of conservation actions around three themes: (1) improving pedagogy and training in conservation genomics including for online global audiences, (2) conducting rigorous population genomic analyses properly considering theory, marker types and data interpretation and (3) facilitating communication and collaboration between managers and researchers. We aim to update students and professionals and expand their conservation toolkit with genomic principles and recent approaches for conserving and managing biodiversity. The biodiversity crisis is a global problem and, as such, requires international involvement, training, collaboration and frequent reviews of the literature and workshops as we do here.