A PRIMER OF CONSERVATION GENETICS

Preface
Take home messages
1. Introduction
2. Genetic diversity
3. Evolutionary genetics of natural populations
4. Genetic consequences of small population size
5. Genetics and extinction
6. Resolving taxonomic uncertainties and defining management units
7. Genetic management of endangered species in the wild
8. Captive breeding and reintroduction
9. Molecular genetics in forensics and understanding species biology
Final messages
Glossary
Sources and copyright acknowledgements
Index.

This concise, entry level text provides an introduction to the importance of genetic studies in conservation and presents the essentials of the discipline in an easy-to-follow format, with main points and terms clearly highlighted. The authors assume only a basic knowledge of Mendelian genetics and simple statistics, making the book accessible to those with a limited background in these areas. Connections between conservation genetics and the wider field of conservation biology are interwoven throughout the book. Worked examples are provided throughout to help illustrate key equations and glossary and suggestions for further reading provide additional support for the reader. Many beautiful pen and ink portraits of endangered species are included to enhance the text. Written for short, introductory level courses in genetics, conservation genetics and conservation biology, this book will also be suitable for practising conservation biologists, zoo biologists and wildlife managers.

Features
• Requires only a basic background in genetics
• Presented in an easy-to-follow format, with main points and terms clearly highlighted
• Worked examples provided throughout to help illustrate key equations
• A glossary and suggestions for further reading provide additional support
• Copiously illustrated with beautiful pen and ink portraits of endangered species

Authors
• Richard Frankham, Macquarie University, Sydney
Dick Frankham is a Visiting Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Macquarie University, Sydney.
• Jonathan D. Ballou, Smithsonian National Zoological Park, Washington DC
Jon Ballou is Head of the Division of Behaviour, Ecology and Population Biology in the Department of Conservation Biology at the Smithsonian Institution National Zoological Park.
• David A. Briscoe, Macquarie University, Sydney
David Briscoe is Associate Professor at the Key Centre for Biodiversity and Bioresources, Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney.