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IUCN SSC Conservation Genetics Specialist Group
IUCN COMMISSION GROUP

IUCN SSC Conservation Genetics Specialist Group

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Group leadership

Dr Gernot SEGELBACHER
Dr Margaret HUNTER
Co-Chair

Dr. Maggie Hunter is a Research Geneticist with the U.S. Geological Survey, a research branch of Department of Interior. She is the director of the Wetland and Aquatic Research Center Conservation Genetics laboratory which uses genetic and genomic tools to inform management of invasive and imperiled species. She specializes in the development and assessment of environmental DNA (eDNA) methodologies and standards, population genetics, genetic biocontrol of invasives, health and disease and global biodiversity policy.  She is a co-chair for both the U.S National Aquatic eDNA Strategy and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Conservation Genetics Specialist Group and is a founding member of the Coalition for Conservation Genetics.

Dr. Maggie Hunter is a Research Geneticist with the U.S. Geological Survey, a research branch of Department of Interior. She is the director of the Wetland and Aquatic Research Center Conservation ...

More about the Specialist Group

CGSG also provides genetic advice on policy and management within IUCN’s Species Survival Commission (SSC) and expert knowledge and assistance to SSC Specialist Groups. CGSG will facilitate a fuller appreciation, evaluation and conservation of genetic diversity and resources at all levels, providing a forum for all stakeholders to value and conserve this crucial element of Planet Earth’s life systems.

Genetic diversity is one of the three major components of ...

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More about the Specialist Group

CGSG also provides genetic advice on policy and management within IUCN’s Species Survival Commission (SSC) and expert knowledge and assistance to SSC Specialist Groups. CGSG will facilitate a fuller appreciation, evaluation and conservation of genetic diversity and resources at all levels, providing a forum for all stakeholders to value and conserve this crucial element of Planet Earth’s life systems.

Genetic diversity is one of the three major components of biodiversity, but still overlooked in most plans for conserving biodiversity. We foresee that raising the awareness of genetic diversity as one of the key requisites for species to adapt and survive will directly benefit species action plans. In addition, the implementation of genetic criteria into the Red List assessment process will help us to define the conservation status more precisely.

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Specialist Group work

CGSG also provides genetic advice on policy and management within IUCN’s Species Survival Commission (SSC) and expert knowledge and assistance to SSC Specialist Groups.

Annual Report

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CGSG members joint workshop with G-BiKE. Credit: Joachim Mergnay.

G-BiKE kick off meeting including many members of CGSG. Credit: Nevena Velickovic.

Monica Mwale giving a talk on use of DNA barcoding ID to support enforcement in illegal animal trade. Credit: Ian Rushworth and Catherine Sole.

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