Conservation

The increased pace of development and habitat destruction has resulted in a rapid loss of species diversity in Australia and elsewhere. The science of conservation biology has emerged to maintain biodiversity by conserving genetic resources through in situ conservation programs in the wild, and by preserving genetic resources through programs in botanic gardens. As a member of the International Association of Botanic Gardens, the Botanic Gardens Conservation International, and the Australian Network for Plant Conservation, the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne has an important role to play in this area.

Conservation genetics is the application of population genetic techniques and concepts to the conservation of genetic resources. It encompasses studies on the genetic diversity within and between species and the way in which that diversity is organised. It also includes studies of breeding systems and life cycles. Applications can include studies to improve the conservation management of rare or threatened species and suggestions for reserve design and size. The maintenance of genetic diversity conserves traits that are valuable for the longterm survival of species. In addition, landraces of commercial varieties often contain useful agronomic traits such as pathogen resistance which can be utilised in commercial breeding programs.

The objectives for management of biodiversity outlined in Victoria's Biodiversity: Directions in Management include ensuring that 'the present diversity of species and ecological communities and their viability is maintained or improved across each bioregion' and that 'there is not further preventable decline in the viability of any rare species or of any rare ecological community'. The Royal Botanic Gardens' research into population genetics, ex situ propagation and reintroduction, and the monitoring of rare and threatened species contribute to these important management goals.