Editing Conservation genetics (section)

==Applications==
These techniques have wide-ranging applications. One example is in [[Species concept|defining species]] and subspecies of [[Salmonidae|salmonids]].<ref name=Haig/> [[Hybrid (biology)|Hybridization]] is an especially important issue in salmonids and this has wide-ranging conservation, political, social and economic implications.

More specific example, the [[Cutthroat Trout]]. In [[molecular biology|analysis]] of its [[mtDNA]] and [[alloenzyme]]s, [[Hybrid (biology)|hybridization]] between native and non-native species has been shown to be one of the major factors contributing to the decline in its populations. This has led to efforts to remove some hybridized populations so native populations could breed more readily. Cases like these impact everything from the economy of local fishermen to larger companies, such as timber.

Defining species and subspecies has conservation implication in mammals, too. For example, the [[Northern white rhinoceros|northern white rhino]] and [[Southern white rhinoceros|southern white rhino]] were previously mistakenly identified as the same species given their [[Morphology (biology)|morphological]] similarities, but recent mtDNA analyses showed that the species are genetically distinct.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Groves |first1=Colin P. |last2=Cotterill |first2=F. P. D. |last3=Gippoliti |first3=Spartaco |last4=Robovský |first4=Jan |last5=Roos |first5=Christian |last6=Taylor |first6=Peter J. |last7=Zinner |first7=Dietmar |date=2017-12-01 |title=Species definitions and conservation: a review and case studies from African mammals |url=https://doi.org/10.1007/s10592-017-0976-0 |journal=Conservation Genetics |language=en |volume=18 |issue=6 |pages=1247–1256 |doi=10.1007/s10592-017-0976-0 |bibcode=2017ConG...18.1247G |s2cid=254419296 |issn=1572-9737|url-access=subscription }}</ref> As a result, the northern white rhino population has dwindled to near-extinction due to poaching crisis, and the prior assumption that it could freely breed with the southern population is revealed to be a misguided approach in conservation efforts.

More recent applications include using forensic genetic identification to identify species in cases of [[poaching]]. Wildlife DNA registers are used to regulate trade of protected species, species laundering, and poaching.<ref name=":12">{{Cite journal |last1=Ogden |first1=R |last2=Dawnay |first2=N |last3=McEwing |first3=R |date=2009-01-02 |title=Wildlife DNA forensics—bridging the gap between conservation genetics and law enforcement |url=http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v9/n3/p179-195/ |journal=Endangered Species Research |language=en |volume=9 |pages=179–195 |doi=10.3354/esr00144 |issn=1863-5407|doi-access=free |hdl=20.500.11820/3de2f7b9-622e-4d9b-93d0-c8fd75b29db4 |hdl-access=free }}</ref> Conservation genetics techniques can be used alongside a variety of scientific disciplines. For example, landscape genetics has been used in conjunction with conservation genetics to identify corridors and population dispersal barriers to give insight into conservation management.<ref name=":2">{{Cite journal |last1=Keller |first1=Daniela |last2=Holderegger |first2=Rolf |last3=van Strien |first3=Maarten J. |last4=Bolliger |first4=Janine |date=2015-06-01 |title=How to make landscape genetics beneficial for conservation management? |url=https://doi.org/10.1007/s10592-014-0684-y |journal=Conservation Genetics |language=en |volume=16 |issue=3 |pages=503–512 |doi=10.1007/s10592-014-0684-y |bibcode=2015ConG...16..503K |s2cid=254413693 |issn=1572-9737}}</ref>