Applying Genomics to the recovery of critically endangered Canadian species

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Global biodiversity is declining at alarming rates and zoos and aquariums are becoming critical players in countering this biodiversity loss. Part of the mandate of these organizations has expanded to partner with governmental organizations and academics in engaging in research related to conservation in captivity and the wild. Leveraging the resources of three major research-intensive zoos/aquariums in Canada (the Toronto Zoo, the Calgary Zoo and the Vancouver Aquarium), this research project will address the challenges associated with the survival of two Amphibian species, the Northern Leopard Frog, Lithobates pipiens and the Oregon Spotted Frog, Rana pretiosa, both Critically Imperiled in BC, Endangered in Canada, thus facing potential extinction in Western Canada. By offering training graduate students in population genetics and ecology, genomics and breeding practices in a conservation framework, this program will prepare graduates for a diversity of 21st century careers in conservation, develop best practices for future endangered species breeding programs and provide an avenue for public and private stakeholders to save two key Canadian species from extinction, thus fulfilling the strategic mandates of both zoos/aquariums and the Species At Risk Act.