Smithsonian Conservation Genomics Data for Threatened Species

Smithsonian scientists use genomics to address conservation challenges like disease detection and species identification. Their work involves DNA from non-invasive sources like feces, hair, and museum specimens. The data likely supports projects on population genetics, paternity testing, and evolutionary history.

Use Cases

• Identifying and counting endangered species based on non-invasive DNA collection from feces and hair.
• Determining animal sex and paternity from small DNA samples, such as from a quill.
• Analyzing the impact of diseases like white-nose syndrome using DNA from century-old specimens.
• Mapping genomes to decode family trees and understand health concerns in species like Asian elephants.
• Assessing genetic variation within populations to determine conservation significance.

Strengths

• Data originates from the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, a leading research organization.
• The description references multiple concrete applications, including disease detection and sex identification of newborn animals.
• Projects involve collaboration with scientists across the Smithsonian and global institutions.

Limitations

• Row count, column definitions, and file formats are unknown, limiting suitability assessment.
• Description metadata is limited; actual data quality requires manual inspection after download.
• Last update date is unknown; freshness unverified.

Provenance

Source

Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute's Center for Conservation Genomics

Collection Method

Genomic analysis of DNA, RNA, and ancient DNA from non-invasive samples (feces, hair, saliva) and museum specimens.