A Leading voice in
conservation genetics
Specialising in developing species-specific genetic management guidelines and providing support to
local conservation authorities and stakeholders.
A Leading voice in
conservation genetics
Specialising in developing species-specific genetic management guidelines and providing support to
local conservation authorities and stakeholders.
ConGen Africa is a leading voice in conservation genetics across Africa. Our mission is to ensure the sustainability and genetic health of wildlife populations based on conservation genetic/genomic and biodiversity research. We specialise in developing species-specific genetic management guidelines and providing support to local conservation authorities and stakeholders. Our focus on genetic diversity as a fundamental component of biodiversity helps protect the evolutionary processes that have shaped Africa’s unique wildlife and ensures species can adapt to future changes.
We emphasise the importance of adhering to sound genetic principles when making conservation decisions, particularly in species translocations. At the core of this understanding is the identification of unique genetic units within a species. These could be Genetic Management Units (GMUs, genetically distinct subpopulations) or Evolutionarily Significant Units (ESUs). We employ a two-phased framework developed by IUCN’s Conservation Genetics Specialist Group – Download Preprint. Within the first phase of the framework, subpopulations are tested for their genetic distinctiveness, and those that pass are tested under different ESU scenarios in phase two. Our team has tested the framework and developed guidelines for several species – Download Species Guidelines.
We encourage you to explore our site to learn more about our approach, the principles we follow, and the genetic guidelines we currently have available, along with examples of the species we work with, and how natural selection plays a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity. Feel free to contact us for further inquiries or collaboration opportunities, or if you would like to see guidelines produced for other species – Contact Us.
GENETIC DIVERSITY
Our focus on genetic diversity and natural selection forms the backbone of our conservation strategies,
helping to protect evolutionary processes that have shaped Africa’s unique species.
OUR APPROACH
ConGen Africa’s two-phased framework aims to promote broader implementation and standardisation of subpopulation listings and Evolutionarily Significant Units (ESUs) in conservation planning. Your input will help refine this approach to better reflect and protect genetic diversity. Click here to download the accompanying scientific paper.
SPECIES & MAPS
Select one of the species below for species-specific management details:
This research was supported by the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales (HEFCW) under the Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF)
