Dr. Dwi Astuti, M.Sc as one of the ornithologist experts from the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) gave a general lecture at the Biology Department, FMIPA UNIB

Biology Department of FMIPA UNIB held a Guest Lecture on Wednesday 11^st October 2023 at the FMIPA UNIB Dean’s Meeting Room with a great invited speaker, Dr. Dwi Astuti, M.Sc with the theme “The Role of Mitochondrial DNA in Biodiversity and Wildlife Conservation”. She is one of the researchers at the Applied Zoology Research Center, especially the Bird Research Group. This guest lecture activity was opened by the Dean of FMIPA, Dr. Jarulis, M.Si and attended by lecturers from the Biology Department and Biology students from FMIPA UNIB.

This public lecture provides the information regarding the role of Mitochondrial DNA for structuring populations, completing taxonomy, establishing interspecies hybridization, and detecting illegal hunting and poaching of endangered animals. The use of molecular markers with mitochondrial DNA can be used for the identification of protected species and offers greater opportunities for conservation biology. Information about the genetic diversity of wildlife is needed to ascertain which populations are experiencing genetic damage, so that better management plans can be made for their conservation. Accurate classification of these threatened species allows an understanding of the biology of the species and the identification of distinct populations that must be managed carefully.

Molecular markers with mitochondrial DNA are a versatile tool to identify populations experiencing genetic crisis by comparing genetic diversity that can help resolve taxonomic uncertainty and establish management units within species. Genetic marker analysis with mitochondrial DNA also provides a sensitive and useful tool to prevent illegal hunting and more effectively implement endangered species protection laws. This lecture summarizes that mitochondrial DNA molecular markers can be utilized for application in molecular diversity analysis with a special emphasis on wildlife conservation.