Should we put ‘genetics’ into the title of our paper in wildlife biology?

Abstract The value of genetics for informing wildlife conservation is well recognised, yet its routine integration into applied wildlife ecology and management remains limited. This persistent “conservation genetics gap” is reflected not only between wildlife geneticists and practitioners, but also between genetics and other wildlife research. Such a divide can be detrimental to wildlife conservation as the wider picture is compartmentalized into fragments that are treated separately. The separation is particularly evident in how scientific meetings and conferences are often structured, as well as in publication processes, which together reinforce the perception that genetics is a specialised and peripheral discipline. Reframing genetics as a core component of wildlife research and integrating genetics into management-focused publications and conference sessions can strengthen collaboration among participants and improve uptake. While genetics articles are increasing across wildlife journals, publication practices continue to channel this work into specialist genetics journals, thereby limiting dissemination to the broader wildlife research and management community. To address this, we advocate improving dissemination pathways and institutional communication. Aside from financial challenges, current barriers for integrating genetics into wildlife management and research are less technical and more institutional and communicative, underscoring the need for structural changes in dissemination practices, wildlife conference programming, and publication practices. Here, we offer practical steps for conference organizers, editors, and researchers aimed at integrating genetics as a core component of wildlife conservation.