Conservation Genetics
Protecting genetic diversity within a species is crucial for species conservation. Identifying populations that represent independent evolutionary lineages or Evolutionary Significant Units (ESUs) can help prioritise conservation management to retain evolutionary potential and genetic diversity. In collaboration with Jane Melville (Museum Victoria) and Nick Clemann (Arthur Rylah Institute), we found that two isolated Victorian populations of the Mountain Dragon (Rankinia diemensis), one already identified as critically endangered and the other found in atypical habitat, should be recognised as ESUs.
Associated publication:
Ng. J., Clemann, N., Chapple, S.N.J. and Melville, J. 2014. Phylogeographic evidence links the threatened 'Grampians' Mountain Dragon (Rankinia diemensis Grampians) with Tasmanian populations: conservation implications in south-eastern Australia. Conservation Genetics. 15(2): 363-373
Ng. J., Clemann, N., Chapple, S.N.J. and Melville, J. 2014. Phylogeographic evidence links the threatened 'Grampians' Mountain Dragon (Rankinia diemensis Grampians) with Tasmanian populations: conservation implications in south-eastern Australia. Conservation Genetics. 15(2): 363-373
