Wildlife Conservation Genetics

Description

Course Description Contents: In this course the basic concepts of conservation genetics will be explained. We will introduce measures of genetic variation and show its importance for the genetic health of populations. We briefly summarize the various evolutionary forces that shape animal biodiversity. The learned concepts will be used to evaluate the genetic management of mainly zoo populations. We will discuss various management strategies for both wild ( in situ ) and captive ( ex situ ) conservation programs in order to keep them genetically healthy and adaptable to changing environments. The relevance of biodiversity in relation to scientific, ethical and societal questions will be dealt with in a variety of (guest) lectures. Key themes in the course are: - Genetic variation and the relation to fitness and life histories; - Measuring genetic variation with pedigrees and molecular data; - The dynamics of genetic variation in small populations; - Inbreeding depression and extinction; - Genetic management of captive and wild populations; - Measuring biodiversity and prioritising management units; - Ethical issues and societal perspectives. These themes will be discussed and illustrated with successful and unsuccessful cases from wild populations and zoo breeding programmes. Learning Outcomes: learning outcomes After successful completion of this course students are expected to be able to: Explain and calculate measures of genetic variation based on pedigree and/or molecular data. Demonstrate how evolutionary forces shape genetic variation in populations. Relate measures of genetic variation to the genetic health of a population. Explain the interplay between genetic variation and other factors in the broader conservation context (e.g. demography, life history, biodiversity) Explain how to define and prioritise management units for conservation. Use genetic management tools and underlying concepts in wild and captive conservation plans and programs. Evaluate a conservation breeding program in terms of demography and genetics, and formulate recommendations for future population management Reflect on various (scientific, ethical and societal) perspectives, including criticisms, regarding conservation genetics Activities: - lectures; - (computer) tutorials, e.g. on calculating genetic diversity parameters; - individual home assignment, preparing one page on a theoretical concept and provide feedback on each other's one page; - case study: evaluation/design of a breeding programme (of European zoos); - reporting and presenting case study results. Assumed Knowledge: GEN11806 Fundamentals of Genetics and Molecular Biology Continuation Courses: ABG31306 Genetic Improvement of Livestock; GEN30806 Population and Quantitative Genetics; MAE40306 Advanced Molecular Ecology; ABG30306 Genomics. Examination: Assessment method(s) Weighting (%) Minimum grade Validity* Group Assignment other 30 5,50 1 Case study in groups. Individual Written test with open and closed questions 70 5,50 1 Individual Assignment other 0 Pass 1 *The duration of the validity is expressed as years after the academic year in which a passing grade for this assessment was obtained. Literature: R. Frankham, J.D. Ballou & D.A. Briscoe . A primer of conservation genetics.(2005). ISBN 0-521-53827 Software used in this course: PMx Practical information and Schedule Credits: 6 ECTS Language of Instruction: English Mode of Delivery: Taught on the Campus Campus Location: Wageningen Chair Group: Animal Breeding and Genomics Course Schedule: Link to the most recent course schedule Teaching Methods Below find the contact hours and teaching methods for this course. Teaching methods are expressed in credits study load (one credit equals 28 clock hours and study load includes alle necessary activities like preparation, contact hours and self study). Contact hours are expressed in time slots of 40 minutes. Teaching Methods: Contact hours:: 15 Credits:: 1,0; Contact hours:: 29 Credits:: 3,57; Contact hours:: 29 Credits:: 1,43 Grading of this course Grading scale: Grades (0-10) Course Periods Offered and Registration Below find in which period(s) the course is offered, how to register for this course and what course registration deadlines apply. For a complete overview, check our Academic Calender. Registration through OSIRIS Student: You can register through OSIRIS Student up to the deadline mentioned. Course Schedule: Link to the most recent course schedule Periods and deadlines for registration: Timeslot(s): Afternoon Registration Period: 1 June 2025 until 8 February 2026 23:59 Deregistration period: until 8 February 2026 23:59 Staff The course coordinator, examiner and lecturers of this course are mentioned below. When a special contact person or contact email address for this course applies, this is listed below the lecturers. When applicable, please use that way to contact the course team. Otherwise, contact the course coordinator to contact the course team. Staff: Email-address: bart.ducro@wur.nl Email-address: bas.zwaan@wur.nl; Email-address: harmen.doekes@wur.nl Email-address: bart.ducro@wur.nl Email-address: bas.zwaan@wur.nl; Email-address: harmen.doekes@wur.nl Email-address: mirte.bosse@wur.nl Email-address: pim.vanhooft@wur.nl Email-address: bart.ducro@wur.nl Email-address: hendrik-jan.megens@wur.nl Email-address: bas.zwaan@wur.nl