Landscape genomics of autochtonous livestock breeds: a role for geographic science in molecular ecology

GIS have been involved in a central and strategic way in several research projects dedicated to the conservation of livestock genetic resources. They have a structural and federative role to play on the one hand, and an analytical role on the other. GIS are possessing the notable advantage of enabling the interdisciplinary connection of genetic, socio-economic and environmental information levels. Among other aspects, GIScience is able to provide adequate methods and tools to contribute to the understanding of genetic resources, mainly by taking into account its spatial variability, and giving the opportunity to characterize the surrounding environment in which studied organisms are living, and to which they are adapted. Indeed, both aspects are expected to supply decision-makers with indicators when genetic resources management policies need to be defined in order to prioritize breed populations for conservation.