Title : "From molecules to monitoring: conservation genetics and genomics in applied wildlife conservation"

"My talk will revolve around my last 15 years of learning of applying genetics and genomics tools in wildlife conservation in India, and share interesting findings from an abundant and common bird “red junglefowl” to elusive and endangered large mammals like red panda, hangul, black bear, Himalayan ibex and discovering a brand new species of primate “Sela macaque”. Genetic assessment not only quantifies variation from species to individual level and aids to better understand the population dynamics under the changing environmental conditions, but also provides information, imperative in decision making and conservation planning. As a consequence of habitat loss, degradation, illegal hunting, and over exploitation of wildlife, several RET species have lost their crucial genetic diversity, and so declined in reproductive fitness and adaptive potential. In such scenario, genetics and genomics tools accelerate our understanding by estimating key attributes like effective population size, inbreeding, demographic history, population structure and tracing cases related to wildlife forensics, that are crucial for conservation efforts.

I will discuss monitoring and conservation planning of large and threatened vertebrates with some empirical examples where I have been directly involved. Firstly, I will discuss about the findings of a mega project coordinated among 15 countries on one of the most debated issue of origin and domestication of chicken (monophyletic or polyphyletic origin of modern day chicken from red junglefowl). Then, I will briefly share the key research findings of my earlier and ongoing research on large vertebrates in the Indian Himalayan region (IHR). We processed nearly 5000 faecal samples for genetic analyses and recorded 37 species of mammals using non-invasive genetics. We studied 13 species of large mammals for detailed population genetic analysis. We obtained ample interesting results for example allopatric speciation of Himalayan ibex and detection of two phylogenetic species of red panda, and describing a brand new primate “Sela Macaque” from eastern Himalayan region. 

Keeping an interdisciplinary vision, I am keen to explore the application of large scale sequencing data, and metagenomics (eDNA barcoding, gut microbiome analyses) in applied wildlife management and planning of the threatened mammals with respect to the anthropogenic activities, impact of climate change and historical/ large geological incidences."

13 Oct 2022 11:00 AM
https://ird-fr.zoom.us/j/82905550847?pwd=WHNVK3N3empTMUpHODVCS05wSVlvdz09
https://zoom.us/j/82905550847
Meeting ID : 829 0555 0847
Secret Code : 043185