 Rescued Bears |
Introduction
Molecular Ecology
Research group was established in January, 2005 at BRC, headquarter,
Islamabad.
Facilities Available:
Here
researches are based on molecular ecology of endangered species. We make
extensive use of molecular approaches such as PCR and sequencing to study
genetic diversity. As our research is highly multidisciplinary, our faculty
represents a number of complementary areas of expertise. Theses areas
include members in evolution, wild life, molecular biology, and molecular
Genetics. Our multidisciplinary group of scientists has expertise in the
areas of ornithology, herpetology, ungulates, population genetics,
statistical methods, and multi-center (national and international) study
coordination.
Aims and Perspectives:
Currently, we are working on important issues in fields of ecology and
evolution by means of
 genomics,
ecology and population genetics specifically, in bear populations of
Pakistan.Bears are
the most
endangered species declined by more than half in the past century.Himalayan
black bears (Ursus thibetanus) and Himalayan brown bears (Ursus arctos)
covered 53,452 km square of Pakistan occupied Himalayan region and the hills
of N.W.F.P. Their populations are declining and have gone extinct from some
areas. Many studies about the diversity in the black and brown bears
revealed low variation which led to the conclusion that the lack of genetic
variation is an important factor for extinction of these species. Another
important factor for declining of these species is habitat fragmentation.
The population genetic status of the bears is being examined using micro
satellite DNA and RAPDs markers.
Another important issue which we address is the genetic status of musk deer
species in Pakistan. Musk deer is endangered and threatened with extinction.
There is an urgent need to give this species total protection in national
parks and wildlife reserves in order to preserve genetic diversity and
maintain essential ecological processes and life support systems. No
reliable estimate of musk deer population is available for Pakistan. The
exploitation of physical census and/or sampling of musk deer are too
difficult, therefore the modern techniques of the molecular biology can be
used for study of population size and isolations.
Ongoing Researches:
Examples of current
projects include work on:-
(i) Phylogenetic relationships among fragmented Asian black and brown bear
populations in Pakistan
(ii) Molecular genetic diversity studies of musk deer from (in) Pakistan
(iii) Genetic variations in black buck populations
(iv) Genetic status of Markhor population in Pakistan
(v) Geographical differentiations of chakoor partridge in Pakistan
Future Plans:
This center is committed to conserve
endangered species of
Pakistan
using biotechnological approaches. While many challenges exist in this
field, we look forward to the future opportunity and challenges to make a
substantial impact in the field of natural resources and management.
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Religious based Awareness
Bear C
ensus
Landlord
Networking
Alternative
Livelihood
Anti Poaching
