Phylogenomic assessment of conservation priorities in two biodiversity hotspots: The Pilbara and the Kimberly

Genetic analyses are revealing astounding numbers of long-isolated evolutionary lineages within species; such 'cryptic diversity' is especially prevalent across the Pilbara and Kimberley. The WA Department of Environment and Conservation is embarking on a major effort to protect biodiversity across these resource-laden hotspots and seeks explicit measures of genetic conservation value for current and planned conservation areas. This project will apply cutting edge next-generation sequencing and powerful analytical methods to meet this need, while also transferring knowledge and capacity to DEC. The project will exemplify how genetic diversity can be protected, consistent with as-yet unmet obligations under national conservation strategies.