For a species surviving in just two small wild populations, understanding its genetics can be just as important as knowing how many animals remain.
New research published in Conservation Genetics has provided an important assessment of the genetic health of the Critically Endangered Nangur Spiny Skink (Nangura spinosa), found only in two isolated populations in south-east Queensland.
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The research confirmed that the Nangur and Oakview populations are genetically distinct, but both have very low genetic diversity and small effective population sizes. The challenges are particularly acute at Nangur, where high levels of inbreeding and relatedness are likely already affecting the population's ability to recover.
The researchers recommend carefully managed movement of animals within populations to slow further genetic decline, alongside captive breeding and, importantly, trialling genetic rescue between the two remaining populations. Because each population retains unique genetic variation, carefully bringing some of that diversity together should help strengthen the species's long-term prospects.
This is exactly why long-term conservation needs both action and science. The findings are now helping inform the next steps for a species with no other wild populations to fall back on.
Importantly, this research has been made possible through genetic work FAME has helped support. But this knowledge also gives the recovery team something incredibly valuable: a clearer roadmap for action.
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