Regional conservation genomics: insights and opportunities from northern Australia

Abstract Biodiversity conservation in northern Australia is characterised by high endemism, data deficiency, and high Indigenous land tenure and population. The Northern Australia Conservation Genomics Forum brought together experts to explore current genetic research with particular emphasis on integration of genomics within conservation practices. We discuss the regional biodiversity of northern Australia, highlighting the unique biogeographic patterns, known and unknown species diversity, and ongoing threats such as habitat degradation, altered fire regimes, invasive species, and climate change. This article synthesises key themes from the forum, including the current application of genomics in conservation, gaps and areas of need and opportunity to advance species conservation in this sparsely populated, yet iconic region of Australia. We highlight the need to expand collaborative research partnerships across land tenures with Indigenous organisations, pastoralists, government and non-government organisations, which is crucial for the effective study and conservation of the region’s biodiversity. The paper identifies the challenges and opportunities in applying genomic data to conservation strategies and applied management, including species translocations and habitat management, while acknowledging the limitations and gaps in current research and collections. The insights from this forum emphasise the advantages in using genomics to inform conservation decisions, and the need for continued research and collaboration to protect northern Australia’s unique biodiversity.

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Publication Details

Journal
Biodiversity and Conservation
Published
2025-04-27
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10531-025-03053-6
Primary Topic
Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00

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article

Regional conservation genomics: insights and opportunities from northern Australia

Peter Kriesner, Renee A. Catullo, Shaina Russell, Thomas D J Sayers et al.
Biodiversity and Conservation
Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
article

Regional conservation genomics: insights and opportunities from northern Australia

Peter Kriesner, Renee A. Catullo, Shaina Russell, Thomas D J Sayers, Saul Cowen, Sally Potter, Danielle L. Edwards, Robyn E. Shaw, Emilie Ens, Caroline Chong, Bridget Campbell, Jennifer C. Pierson, Kate Rick, Natalie Robson, Brydie M. Hill, Emily Roycroft, Tony Griffiths, Linette S. Umbrello, Skye F. Cameron, Brenton von Takach, Teigan Cremona, Peter J. McDonald, Alexander R. Carey, Sam C. Banks, Eridani Mulder, Ewan Nicholl
article en

Abstract

Abstract Biodiversity conservation in northern Australia is characterised by high endemism, data deficiency, and high Indigenous land tenure and population. The Northern Australia Conservation Genomics Forum brought together experts to explore current genetic research with particular emphasis on integration of genomics within conservation practices. We discuss the regional biodiversity of northern Australia, highlighting the unique biogeographic patterns, known and unknown species diversity, and ongoing threats such as habitat degradation, altered fire regimes, invasive species, and climate change. This article synthesises key themes from the forum, including the current application of genomics in conservation, gaps and areas of need and opportunity to advance species conservation in this sparsely populated, yet iconic region of Australia. We highlight the need to expand collaborative research partnerships across land tenures with Indigenous organisations, pastoralists, government and non-government organisations, which is crucial for the effective study and conservation of the region’s biodiversity. The paper identifies the challenges and opportunities in applying genomic data to conservation strategies and applied management, including species translocations and habitat management, while acknowledging the limitations and gaps in current research and collections. The insights from this forum emphasise the advantages in using genomics to inform conservation decisions, and the need for continued research and collaboration to protect northern Australia’s unique biodiversity.

Biodiversity and ConservationVol. 34(7)
Australian National University (AU), Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AU), Australian Museum (AU), Queensland University of Technology (AU), The University of Western Australia (AU), University of Canberra (AU), Curtin University (AU), Charles Darwin University (AU), Brunswick (United States) (US), Government of the Northern Territory (AU), Western Australian Museum (AU), Department of Land Resource Management (AU), Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (AU), Monash University (AU), Macquarie University (AU)
Charles Darwin University, Australian Research Council
Openalex Percentile: Top 91%
Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
DOIOpen Access PDFOpenAlex
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