An approach to the optimal allocation of conservation funds to minimize loss of genetic diversity between livestock breeds

About 30% of all farm animal breeds worldwide are at risk of extinction. To prevent this irreversible erosion of genetic diversity, the limited funds available for conservation need to be allocated in the most efficient way. Applying the diversity concept of Weitzman [Quart. J. Econ. CVII (1992) 363...

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Main Authors: Simianer, H., Marti, S., Gibson, John P., Hanotte, Olivier H., Rege, J.E.O.
Format: Journal Article
Language:Inglés
Published: Elsevier 2003
Subjects:
Online Access:https://hdl.handle.net/10568/1559
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author Simianer, H.
Marti, S.
Gibson, John P.
Hanotte, Olivier H.
Rege, J.E.O.
author_browse Gibson, John P.
Hanotte, Olivier H.
Marti, S.
Rege, J.E.O.
Simianer, H.
author_facet Simianer, H.
Marti, S.
Gibson, John P.
Hanotte, Olivier H.
Rege, J.E.O.
author_sort Simianer, H.
collection Repository of Agricultural Research Outputs (CGSpace)
description About 30% of all farm animal breeds worldwide are at risk of extinction. To prevent this irreversible erosion of genetic diversity, the limited funds available for conservation need to be allocated in the most efficient way. Applying the diversity concept of Weitzman [Quart. J. Econ. CVII (1992) 363; Quart. J. Econ. CVIII (1993) 157] this paper presents a framework for the allocation of a given budget among a set of breeds such that the expected amount of between-breed diversity conserved is maximized. As a novel methodological contribution, a functional relationship between conservation funds spent in one population and the conservation effect in terms of reduced extinction probability is suggested. Based on arguments from population genetics, three different functions are derived, which may reflect the range of possible functions in typical conservation situations. The methodology is illustrated with an example of 23 African zebu and zenga cattle breeds. The results indicate that conservation funds should be spent on only three to nine of the 23 breeds, depending on the model used. Highest priority is given to breeds, for which the ‘conservation potential’, that is, the product of extinction probability and marginal diversity is maximum, and these are not necessarily the most endangered breeds. The methodology can be extended to the maximization of total utility, which incorporates diversity, as well as other direct use, and special value, characteristics. However, a number of essential input parameters such as extinction probabilities and economic values are lacking and realistic models for developing cost-efficient conservation strategies have to be derived. Given these lacking bits of information become available, the methodology suggested provides a breakthrough towards applicability of diversity-based approaches for decision taking in conservation programs.
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spelling CGSpace15592024-04-25T06:00:40Z An approach to the optimal allocation of conservation funds to minimize loss of genetic diversity between livestock breeds Simianer, H. Marti, S. Gibson, John P. Hanotte, Olivier H. Rege, J.E.O. genetics animal breeding About 30% of all farm animal breeds worldwide are at risk of extinction. To prevent this irreversible erosion of genetic diversity, the limited funds available for conservation need to be allocated in the most efficient way. Applying the diversity concept of Weitzman [Quart. J. Econ. CVII (1992) 363; Quart. J. Econ. CVIII (1993) 157] this paper presents a framework for the allocation of a given budget among a set of breeds such that the expected amount of between-breed diversity conserved is maximized. As a novel methodological contribution, a functional relationship between conservation funds spent in one population and the conservation effect in terms of reduced extinction probability is suggested. Based on arguments from population genetics, three different functions are derived, which may reflect the range of possible functions in typical conservation situations. The methodology is illustrated with an example of 23 African zebu and zenga cattle breeds. The results indicate that conservation funds should be spent on only three to nine of the 23 breeds, depending on the model used. Highest priority is given to breeds, for which the ‘conservation potential’, that is, the product of extinction probability and marginal diversity is maximum, and these are not necessarily the most endangered breeds. The methodology can be extended to the maximization of total utility, which incorporates diversity, as well as other direct use, and special value, characteristics. However, a number of essential input parameters such as extinction probabilities and economic values are lacking and realistic models for developing cost-efficient conservation strategies have to be derived. Given these lacking bits of information become available, the methodology suggested provides a breakthrough towards applicability of diversity-based approaches for decision taking in conservation programs. 2003-07 2010-05-18T20:52:21Z 2010-05-18T20:52:21Z Journal Article https://hdl.handle.net/10568/1559 en Limited Access Elsevier Simianer, H.; Marti, S.; Gibson, J.; Hanotte, O.; Rege, J.E.O. 2003. An approach to the optimal allocation of conservation funds to minimize loss of genetic diversity between livestock breeds. Ecological Economics 45(3):377-392.
spellingShingle genetics
animal breeding
Simianer, H.
Marti, S.
Gibson, John P.
Hanotte, Olivier H.
Rege, J.E.O.
An approach to the optimal allocation of conservation funds to minimize loss of genetic diversity between livestock breeds
title An approach to the optimal allocation of conservation funds to minimize loss of genetic diversity between livestock breeds
title_full An approach to the optimal allocation of conservation funds to minimize loss of genetic diversity between livestock breeds
title_fullStr An approach to the optimal allocation of conservation funds to minimize loss of genetic diversity between livestock breeds
title_full_unstemmed An approach to the optimal allocation of conservation funds to minimize loss of genetic diversity between livestock breeds
title_short An approach to the optimal allocation of conservation funds to minimize loss of genetic diversity between livestock breeds
title_sort approach to the optimal allocation of conservation funds to minimize loss of genetic diversity between livestock breeds
topic genetics
animal breeding
url https://hdl.handle.net/10568/1559
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