"Forensics of Rhinos of Southern Africa". "Ecology of Southern African Cheetahs". But also "Parrots of the Caribbean". Or "History of Domestications". To name just four topics of the 'ConGen' international training workshop, which is currently taking place at the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF).
Con stands for Conservation, Gen for Genetics. It is about the latest developments in the application of genomic technologies for the conservation of biodiversity.
More than 15 internationally renowned scientists share their knowledge and experience with young researchers from over 20 countries. The most prominent lecturer is ConGen Director Dr Stephen O'Brien, Professor at Nova Southeastern University and member of the National Academy of Sciences.
The workshop in the centre of the CCF north-east of Otjiwarongo consists of a combination of lectures, discussions and practical exercises. Each evening a guest lecturer will give a keynote lecture on their research findings in the fields of conservation biology and genomics.
"We look forward to showing our state-of-the-art genetic laboratory to this international group of scientists", said CCF Founder and Executive Director Dr Laurie Marker. According to her, the CCF's genetic research has made a decisive contribution to the Horn of Africa cheetah subspecies being categorised as 'endangered' on the IUCN Red List.
The Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF) has similar plans for the giraffe. "Saving giraffe: using science and management to conserve all four species across Africa" is their topic at the ConGen workshop. In 2016, the GCF distinguished four giraffe species based on a genetic analysis. The theory has now been confirmed (see report on Namibian.org).
In addition to the latest information on theories and methods, the programme also deals with topics that should be of interest to the layperson. Such as the introduction of cheetahs from Namibia and South Africa to India. Or the sustainable conservation of white and black rhinos on Ongava near Etosha National Park.
The training workshop 'Recent Advances in Conservation Genetics' took place for the first time in summer 1996. Since then, it has been held annually at remote locations around the world that are relevant to species conservation. This year's sponsors are the American Genetic Association, Giga Science Press and the Indiana University School of Public Health.
Detailed information in the CCF press release.
Sven-Eric Stender