Genetic Rescue: how do we bring back species from the brink?

Project Outline:

One of the most hotly debated topics in population and conservation biology is what is the best strategy for restoring small and endangered populations. When population augmentation (assisted migration and genetic rescue) is required, there are many open questions around the optimal genetic composition of source material to minimise the risks of outbreeding depression yet maximize evolutionary potential. Despite its importance, there is currently a lack of theoretical and experimental work to inform on-ground restoration practices. By combining new theoretical modelling of polygenic adaptation, with reciprocal transplants and experimental evolution, we will answer a number of outstanding questions including: (1) what is the optimal genetic composition of introduced material to ensure short and long term survival? (2) How does this change with trait genetic architecture and environmental fluctuations? This project is an international effort involving researchers from IST Austria (Nick Barton, Himani Sachdeva) University of East Anglia (Lewis Spurgin) and with local industry partners Greening Australia (Melinda Pickup).

Desired skills: Strong quantitative and programming skills (R or Python). Previous experience in population genetics and/or quantitative genetics.

Project Area: Evolution and ecology, population genetics, conservation biology

Supervisor(s):  Dr David Field

Project level: Masters, PhD

Funding: Applicant should apply for ECUHDR or RTP Scholarship

Start date: Semester 1, 2021