Book Chapter
Genetic analyses in fauna conservation: issues and applications to Australian forests
By
Sam C. Banks
;
Sam C. Banks
Australian Centre for Biodiversity, Analysis, Policy and Management, School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Victoria, 3800
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Andrea C. Taylor
Andrea C. Taylor
Australian Centre for Biodiversity, Analysis, Policy and Management, School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Victoria, 3800
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Published:2004
Citation
Sam C. Banks, Andrea C. Taylor, 2004. "Genetic analyses in fauna conservation: issues and applications to Australian forests", Conservation of Australia's Forest Fauna, Daniel Lunney
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Genetic analysis can be a powerful tool in species conservation and management, but it has perhaps not been embraced as wholeheartedly in Australia as in other parts of the world. Its many applications in fauna management include: 1/ Clarification of taxonomic and evolutionary relationships, thus enabling separate management and conservation of evolutionarily divergent groups, and informing reintroduction/translocation planning. 2/ Identification of population structure to enable conservation management plans to be targeted at local populations. 3/ Examination of the effects of landscape modification on dispersal patterns to provide an understanding of potential threats to populations. 4/ Identification of populations, species and regions important for the conservation of evolutionary biodiversity. 5/ Detection, abundance estimation and population monitoring of rare or cryptic species via genetic analysis of field signs such as hair and faeces. In this chapter we describe and provide examples of them, and suggest ways to facilitate their increased use in Australian fauna conservation.
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