Primate conservation genetics at the dawn of conservation genomics

Abstract

Abstract Conservation genetics is a relatively young interdisciplinary field. Essentially, it concerns the application of genetic methods to threatened species. It aims to obtain detailed insights about their evolution, ecology, taxonomy, and population genetics and to inform conservation strategies. This chapter discusses the application of the most commonly used molecular techniques to the conservation of primates, with a focus on non-invasive samples. Recent technological advances in sequencing techniques are allowing the transition from classical population genetic studies, based on few markers, to studies based on whole-genome information. The main techniques and concepts are broadly explored and practical examples are given together with pointers to recent studies and reviews. The aim is to give the reader a general understanding of what the field of conservation genetics is, how it can be applied to primate research and conservation, and how it will likely change in the future.