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Making the connection: expanding the role of restoration genetics in restoring and evaluating connectivity
Citation
Proft, KM and Jones, ME and Johnson, CN and Burridge, CP, Making the connection: expanding the role of restoration genetics in restoring and evaluating connectivity, Restoration Ecology, 26, (3) pp. 411-418. ISSN 1061-2971 (2018) [Refereed Article]
Copyright Statement
© 2018 Society for Ecological Restoration
Abstract
The success of restoration activities is affected by connectivity with the surrounding landscape. From a genetic perspective, landscape connectivity can influence gene flow, effective size, and genetic diversity of populations, which in turn have impacts on the fitness and adaptive potential of species in restored areas. Researchers and practitioners are increasingly using genetic data to incorporate elements of connectivity into restoration planning and evaluation. We show that genetic studies of connectivity can improve restoration planning in three main ways. First, by comparing genetic estimates of contemporary and historical gene flow and population size, practitioners can establish historical baselines that may provide targets for restoration of connectivity. Second, empirical estimates of dispersal, landscape resistance to movement, and adaptive genetic variance can be derived from genetic data and used to parameterize existing restoration planning tools. Finally, restoration actions can also be targeted to remove barriers to gene flow or mitigate pinch-points in corridors. We also discuss appropriate methods for evaluating the restoration of gene flow over timescales required by practitioners. Collaboration between restoration geneticists, ecologists, and practitioners is needed to develop practical and innovative ways to further incorporate connectivity into restoration practice.
Item Details
| Item Type: | Refereed Article |
|---|---|
| Keywords: | restoration ecology, adaptive variation, connectivity, conservation genetics, landscape genetics, monitoring, restoration genetics |
| Research Division: | Environmental Sciences |
| Research Group: | Environmental management |
| Research Field: | Conservation and biodiversity |
| Objective Division: | Environmental Management |
| Objective Group: | Terrestrial systems and management |
| Objective Field: | Terrestrial biodiversity |
| UTAS Author: | Proft, KM (Ms Kirstin Proft) |
| UTAS Author: | Jones, ME (Professor Menna Jones) |
| UTAS Author: | Johnson, CN (Professor Christopher Johnson) |
| UTAS Author: | Burridge, CP (Associate Professor Christopher Burridge) |
| ID Code: | 126200 |
| Year Published: | 2018 |
| Funding Support: | Australian Research Council (LP130100949) |
| Web of Science® Times Cited: | 15 |
| Deposited By: | Zoology |
| Deposited On: | 2018-05-29 |
| Last Modified: | 2022-08-29 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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