Genetics and the conservation of Australian birds

Abstract

Molecular genetic techniques can be used to address a wide array of contemporary conservation problems encountered in the management of captive and wild bird populations. Most applications pertain to issues relevant to the management of populations or species. These range from sex identification in breeding programmes involving species in which the sexes are phenotypically monomorphic, to the identification of taxonomic diversity at the level of species, subspecies and populations. Additionally, comparative analyses of intra-population variation provide a means of identifying populations more at risk from inbreeding and a loss of diversity. This provides a more tractable approach for the conservation and management of genetic diversity than derived from theoretical considerations about the genetic consequences of small population size. A recent development away from these traditional species-based approaches is the use of information revealed by studies of comparative phylogeography to address issues relevant to the management of entire communities and ecosystems. Molecular studies of non-threatened taxa are also an important tool for wildlife management. Nonthreatened species can be used as indicators of regional biodiversity or to provide information which will assist in the conservation of a closely related species. Molecular studies of apparently widespread and abundant species may also reveal previously unrecognized taxonomic diversity of significance for conservation. With the impressive array of molecular tools now available for addressing issues in conservation biology it is important that they not be applied indiscriminately. Careful consideration needs to be given to the specific needs of wildlife management and the appropriateness of genetic studies should be evaluated on a case by case basis. In some instances molecular studies may not be warranted, providing little information beyond that which has been obtained from ecological and demographic studies or contained in traditional taxonomies.