Ecological Genetics Laboratory
Genetic information that exists within all species provides a rich
resource for scientists to obtain a 
fundamental, comprehensive, and systematic
understanding of life. The Ecological Genetics laboratory applies DNA
technology to a range of environmental research areas, focusing primarily
on conservation and pest management.
The laboratory has three main research functions:
- Biodiversity-determining the genetic diversity in New Zealand native species.
- Molecular Systematics-understanding the evolutionary history of flora and fauna.
- Biosecurity-monitoring pest populations.
Genetic diversity in New Zealand native species
Genetic diversity varies significantly between populations and regions.
Determining the extent and distribution of genetic variation provides
precise information that can be used to direct conservation actions - for
example, the most genetically diverse and unique populations can be identified,
which enables conservation priorities to be determined and proper management
set in place. The preservation of genetic diversity in endangered species
is important because long-term survival depends on species maintaining
sufficient genetic variability to facilitate adaptation to new environmental
pressures including habitat modification. Decreasing genetic diversity
can result in inbreeding depression, the breakdown of reproductive processes
and dimished evolutionary potential-factors ultimately leading to extinction.
Evolutionary history of New Zealand's native species
DNA sequence information provides some interesting insights into the evolutionary history (phylogeny) of our native species. New Zealand was once part of the supercontinent Gondwana but has been isolated by oceanic barriers for at least 80 million years. Because of our isolation, diverse landscapes and latitudinal range from sub-tropics to subantarctic, New Zealand has a largely endemic, unique flora and fauna. Phylogenetic studies provide a framework for understanding the origins and patterns of genetic diversity among groups of species and reveal a remarkable history of arrivals, dispersals, adaptations and extinctions.
Pest population monitoring
Effective management of pest populations requires accurate information
about the numbers and rates of dispersal of animals in a particular area. Traditional
methods that rely on trap-catch estimates can be biased as some animals
become trap-shy or simply do not encounter a trap when they are at low
densities. The Ecological Genetics Laboratory has developed DNA methods
to genetically 'fingerprint' pest species such as possums and stoats
using 'non-invasive' sampling methods. Special sticky 'hair traps' are
used for stoats to pull out strands of hair with DNA-rich follicles attached,
while DNA derived from faecal samples is used from possums.
In addition to estimating population size, these genetic methods also provide opportunities to obtain further information about pest populations such as dispersal rates and mating systems (relationships between individuals). These data help in designing better control strategies as well as monitoring effectiveness of current pest control programmes.