Emerging and Enduring Issues in Primate Conservation Genetics

Abstract

Conservation genetics is a branch of conservation biology that uses molecular data to assist in the conservation and management of imperiled populations, subspecies, and species. In this review, I examine conservation action plans (CAPs)—instrumental documents designed to influence conservation policy—for selected primate species. I use the information contained in CAPs as a means to guide this review. The primary genetics-based topics that are mentioned in CAPs are genetic connectivity, inbreeding, and subspecies/species delimitation. I discuss these topics as well as historical demographic inference and hybridization using examples from wild primate species to illustrate the myriad ways in which genetics can assist in conservation efforts. I also discuss some recent technological advances such as genomic capture techniques and the potential to do molecular work in remote locations.