Conservation genomics of a critically endangered insect

This project aims to develop tools genotyping large animal genomes, focusing on the case of the Lord HoweIsland stick insect, once thought to be extinct and now critically endangered. This project expects to generatemolecular tools to monitor the genetic health the insect which has a large, complex and poorly understoodgenome. Expected outcomes include the development of a preservation and reintroduction strategy for the insect.This project will benefit ongoing conservation efforts, and is timely given the ongoing eradication of rats from LordHowe Island where this species once lived