Challenges and Prospects for Conservation Genetics at XXI Century

Conservation genetics is a fundamental discipline for planning actions for the species and ecosystems management, conservation, and sustainable use. Initially, this work was carried out through collaborative efforts of research groups, sometimes from different countries or institutions. These collaborations played a crucial role in gathering initial genetic data, which were typically analyzed manually or using semi-automated methods. However, in recent decades, there has been a significant increase in research focused on collecting primary genetic data from both wild and domestic populations. This data acquisition aims to obtain essential biological information to enhance the effectiveness of species management strategies. The acceleration of genetic studies has been made possible by the development of advanced technologies that enable the collection of sequence and genotype data on a large scale, with increased speed, and at progressively reduced costs. The conversion of genetic information into species conservation action plans by governments is a crucial and sensitive key issue that needs special attention. Its effective implementation plays a vital role in assisting countries in their efforts to safeguard their biodiversity within the context of landscape use.

This Research Topic aims to provide an update on the latest advancements in sequencing technologies and analysis methods applied to conservation genetic studies and species conservation action plans. We aim to disseminate the advantages of utilizing new technologies to gather genetic data on a large scale, often made possible through collaborative efforts between teams. In the face of global climate change, it is imperative to understand the modifications occurring within wild populations in terms of their structure and genetic diversity. This knowledge is crucial for planning effective conservation actions. To achieve this challenge, research groups in the field of genetics are currently using innovative molecular methodologies, including omics technologies, which enable the analysis of large datasets and expedite the generation of results. We invite research groups actively working in this area to present their work and share their insights on this topic.

Within this Research Topic, we will include articles that provide updated information on the latest technologies used by the research groups to obtain genetic data on all living form groups. We are particularly interested in articles covering the following aspects:

• Diversity and population structure

• Phylogeographic data

• Quantitative analysis of useful traits in genetic improvement

• Evidence of hybridization between species

• Analysis of microevolutionary processes

• Landscape genetics

• Analysis of anthropic actions (including the effects of climate change) that model genetic processes.

We are interested in including information on how advancements in sequencing techniques, omics analysis, and the development of new markers are enabling the implementation of large-scale research projects. These projects aim to that address several conflicts associated with biodiversity loss and ecosystem health. In addition, articles on how governments plan actions from society to contribute to genetic conservation will be included.