Genomic Biomonitoring

Conservation Genomics & Macrogenetics

Institution: Senckenberg Society for Nature Research and Goethe University

Global anthropogenic habitat and climate change are driving a rapid decline in all levels of biodiversity. Genetic diversity is the first level of biodiversity. However, it is historically the least protected and most poorly understood biodiversity component. Continued negligence of genetic diversity jeopardises ecosystem stability and we risk silently surpassing its planetary boundary. The genomic biomonitoring group seeks to prevent this through improving genetic diversity mapping, monitoring, and protection. To this end we conduct now classical conservation genomic studies on species of concern, coupled with cutting edge macrogenetic synthesis. We strive for real world impact with our research.

Conservation genomics, we use next generation sequencing technologies to study species of concern and address questions of broad relevance to conservation. We aim to support and management of species to reduce their risk of extinction, to maximise conservation success, and protect biodiversity. With this in mind, we conduct both highly applied practitioner requested projects and general projects that focus on core questions in conservation biology. 

 Macrogenetics, is a new field that synthesizes genetic and genomic data across large scales to understand multispecies patterns and diversity of genetic diversity. We aim to continue to establish and build this field through local research and international collaboration. We hope to fill a major biodiversity knowledge gap on the global distribution of genetic diversity, as well as support large scale conservation programs (e.g. protected areas). 

TBG GROUP MEMBERS

 

GROUP EXPERTISE / METHODS

  • molecular population genetics
  • conservation genetics/genomics
  • wildlife biology
  • bioinformatics
  • biodiversity protection

UPCOMING PROJECTS

  • Conservation Genomics of the Western Leopard Toad
  • Macrogenetics of Island Species

 

 

 

 

ONGOING PROJECTS

  • ACORN oaks (collaborator)

SELECTED PUBLICATIONS

Schuman M. C., Röösli C., Mastretta-Yanes A., Helfenstein I. S., Vernesi C., Selmoni O., Millette K., Tobón-Niedfeldt, Albergel C., Leigh D., Hebden S., Schaepman M E, Laikre L., Asrar G. R. Genes from Space: Leveraging Earth Observation Satellites to Monitor Genetic Diversity. (Submitted)


Schmidt C., Karachaliou E., Vandergast A. G., Crandall E.D., Falgout J., Hunter M.E., Kershaw F., Leigh D., O’Brien D., Vinas I-P., Segelbacher G., Garrowat C. J.  (Submitted) The global protected area network does not harbor genetically diverse populations. https://ecoevorxiv.org/repository/view/6966/


Paz-Vinas I, Vandergast AG, Schmidt C, Blanchet S, Clark RD, Crandall ED, De Kort H, Falgout J, Garroway CJ, Karachaliou E, Kershaw F, Leigh DM, O’Brien D, Pinsky ML, Segelbacher G, Hunter ME (Submitted) Uneven genetic data limits biodiversity assessments in protected areas globally. https://ecoevorxiv.org/repository/view/6162/


Leigh DM, Vandergast A, Hunter ME, Crandall E, Funk WC, Garroway CJ, Hoban S, Oyler SJ,  Rellstab C, Segelbacher G, Schmidt C, Vazquez-Domínguez E, Paz-Vinas I (In press) Don’t make your data disposable: Best practices for genetic and genomic data archiving and publishing. Nature Ecology and Evolution.  https://doi.org/10.32942/X29025 


Leigh DM, Kersten O†, Star B, Anker-Nilssen T, Burnham K, Johnson J, Provencher J, Boessenkool S (2022) Sympatry of genetically distinct puffins in the High Arctic. Ibis. doi: 10.1111/ibi.13153 


Jensen E, Leigh DM (2022) Using temporal samples to understand contemporary climate change responses in wildlife. Ecology and Evolution. doi: 10.1002/ece3.9340


Leigh DM, van Rees CB†, Millette KL†, Breed MF, Schmidt C, Bertola LD, Hand BK, Hunter ME, Jensen EL, Kershaw F, Liggins L, Luikart G, Manel S, Mergeay J, Miller JM, Segelbacher G, Hoban S, Paz-Vinas I (2021) Opportunities and challenges of macrogenetic studies. Nature Reviews Genetics. 22:791-807 doi: 10.1038/s41576-021-00394-0 


Leigh DM, Hendry A, Vazquez-Domínguez E, Friesen V (2019) Estimated six percent loss of genetic variation in wild populations since the industrial revolution. Evolutionary Applications 12:1505-1512 doi: 10.1111/eva.12810