AusARG - Australian amphibian and reptile genomics Initiative Collaboration

The Australian amphibian and reptile genomics Initiative (AusARG) is a national collaborative project that that will facilitate research using genomics approaches towards a more thorough understanding of evolution and conservation of Australia’s unique native Amphibians and Reptiles that are now under threat, through climate, disease or habitat modification.

The initiative aims to create a targeted genomics, including de-novo genome assembly/annotation, phylogenomics and conservation genomics, which will:
• Accelerate fundamental research of reptile and amphibian genomics in areas that Australia is uniquely placed to make its mark on the world stage.
• Complement fundamental organismal research with genomics to meet critical needs of conservation management and our unique reptile and amphibian biodiversity, as identified by society, government and industry.
• Consolidate and extend capabilities in genome science across museum/university-agency partnerships.
The objectives of the Consortium are:
• Build a foundation of genomic data to advance our understanding and conservation of Australia’s unique reptiles and amphibians;
• Accelerate fundamental research of reptile and amphibian genomics in areas that Australia is uniquely placed to make its mark on the world stage;
• Complement fundamental research with genomics to meet critical needs of conservation management and our unique reptile and amphibian biodiversity, as identified by society, government and industry;
• Build a community across Australian museums, Universities and other research providers, and government agencies to sustain the initiative beyond the life of the Bioplatforms investment; and
• Increase awareness of the public and conservation managers of the diversity of Australian mammals and how genomics can aid in their conservation and management.