Conservation genetics

Population genetics, including conservation genetics, is the study of both the historical and ongoing patterns of genetic diversity and variation amongst populations of a species. Species management and recovery can be supported by population genetics, allowing understanding a species’ evolutionary history, its genetic diversity and reproductive biology. It is helpful to understand as much as possible about priority species, including species boundaries, the structure of genetic diversity across the landscape and what constitutes an effective population size. Understanding a species’ reproductive strategy and patterns of genetic diversity can also ensure management efforts are targeted to where they are most needed or most impactful. Genetic data can also improve the cost effectiveness of many other species management actions.

The Queensland Herbarium and Biodiversity Science team aims to support conservation management, ecological restoration and decision making by understanding the genetic diversity and structure of Queensland’s species wherever possible. We’re doing this by establishing knowledge and data infrastructure to guide the generation of meaningful advice for managers and other stakeholders.

Completed projects

• Conservation genetics of the Cochin Hills Grevillea (Grevillea hodgei) in support of recovery planning and management – This report was prepared for Queensland National Parks and Wildlife Service’s Threatened Species Operations team.
• Conservation genetics of narrow range, high elevation endemic plants of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area (QLD section) (PDF, 8.5 MB): Conservation genetics of Eucryphia jinksii, Pittosporum oreillyanum, Pomaderris notata and Syzygium nebulosum

Current projects

• Genetics in a Bottle project: Conservation genetics of Brachychiton sp. Ormeau - This report is being prepared for North-East Albert Landcare and funded by the Australian Seed Bank Partnership. (Project website).
• A genetic assessment of the native status of Pistia stratiotes populations in Australia - This report is being prepared in collaboration with the Northern Territory Herbarium for the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development who funded the study.
• A distribution-wide restoration genomics assessment of native buckthorn (Bursaria spinosa) to inform provenancing for ecological restoration - This study is being undertaken in collaboration with the Research Centre for Ecosystem Resilience, Botanic Gardens of Sydney through the Genomics for Forest Resilience Initiative of Bioplatforms Australia.
• Conservation genomics of Eucalyptus conglomerata (Swamp Stringybark) in aid of population management - this study is being undertaken through the Threatened Species Initiative of BioPlatforms Australia to inform land management.