Population Genetics and Phylogeography of Mammals: Molecular Applications for the Conservation and Monitoring of Genetic Diversity

Dear Colleagues,

Genetic diversity is fundamental for the long-term persistence and evolution of populations and species in changing environments, and it is considered one of the three conservation priorities alongside ecosystem and species diversity. With over 6000 species, mammals provide diverse and important ecological functional roles in terrestrial and aquatic environments; however, due to anthropogenic activities, many mammal species are threatened by extinction, and other species considered Least Concern for conservation by the IUCN show trends of population declines and genetic diversity loss. This Special Issue aims to present current original research, reviews and short communications on the population genetics and phylogeography of mammals, addressing: 1) conservation genetics and genomics in changing environments, 2) characterising genetic diversity in wild or captive (i.e., zoo, aquarium and sanctuary) populations, 3) phylogeography, cryptic species diversity and identification of evolutionarily significant units, 4) genomic signatures of natural selection, and 5) applications of new (e.g., eDNA, ddRADseq, and ddPCR) and traditional (e.g., mtDNA and microsatellites) molecular methods for monitoring populations and species. With this issue, we intend to depict the latest investigations on any taxonomic group of mammals and in any conservation category, showcasing how molecular markers are being used for understanding patterns of genetic diversity and structure that reflect biological processes and anthropogenic disturbances, and how this information can be used for evidence-based conservation and management practices.

Dr. Rodrigo Vega
Dr. Sofia I. Gabriel
Guest Editors

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