George Amato

George Amato

Abstract

Conservation Genetics Meets Ecology: Toward a More Integrated Approach

Biography

George Amato is Director of the Science Resource Center and Senior Conservation Geneticist at the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), headquartered at the Bronx Zoo in New York City. Dr. Amato began his work with WCS in 1989 when he was hired to initiate the WCS conservation genetics program. This program applied current techniques in molecular biology to the conservation of wildlife in the WCS living collections as well as with field-based conservation activities. The current Science Resource Center houses programs in conservation genetics, molecular ecology, population biology, wildlife forensics, and graduate student training. Dr. Amato received his Ph.D. from Yale University. His current research interests include genetic issues and fragmentation in endangered parrots, research on the discovery of new mammal species in Southeast Asia, and noninvasive DNA sampling of endangered species. He has lectured and published extensively on conservation strategies for endangered species, especially on the use of molecular analysis (especially DNA profiling) to determine conservation priorities. He has also participated in research activities worldwide, including research in Tanzania, South Africa, Madagascar, Malaysia, Peru, and Cuba. Dr. Amato serves at Columbia, Fordham, and Yale Universities as an adjunct faculty member. He also chairs the Systematics Scientific Advisory Group (SAG) for the American Zoo and Aquarium Association and is an official adviser to a number of Taxon Advisory Groups.

Representative Publications

Amato, G., M.G. Egan, and G.B. Schaller. 2000. Mitochondrial DNA variation in Muntjac: Evidence for discovery, rediscovery, and phylogenetic relationships. In Antelopes, Deer, and Relatives: Fossil Record, Behavioral Ecology, Systematics, and Conservation. E.S. Vrba and G.B. Schaller, editors. Yale University Press, New Haven and London.

Amato, G., A. Rabinowitz, and M.G. Egan. 1999. A new species of muntjac, Muntiacus putaoensis (Artiodactyla: Cervidae) from northern Myanmar. Animal Conservation (2) 1-7.

Wyner, Y., G. Amato, and R. DeSalle. 1999. Captive breeding, reintroduction, and the conservation genetics of black and white ruffed lemurs, Varecia variegata variegata. Molecular Ecology 8:S12:107-116.

Saltonstall, K., G. Amato, and J. Powell. 1998. Mitochondrial DNA variability in GrauerÕs gorillas of Kahuzi-Biega National Park. Journal of Heredity 89: 129-135.

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