As part of the Crossby Lab, we organized and executed a field ornithology workshop between 08 -10 March 2021 at the Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin, Ondo State, Nigeria. This was in conjunction with the A.P Leventis Ornithological Research Institute (APLORI), University of Jos, Nigeria and the Natural History Museum, University of Oslo, Norway.
Workshop, genetics, proteomics, molecular ecology, training
Plate 1: Group photograph of participants who attended the training workshop. At the middle in white T-shirt is LOC, Dr. Taiwo Crossby Omotriogun
Background
Over time, more comprehensive approaches, including molecular technologies, have gained popularity in biodiversity protection. For example, molecular technologies are now widely used to discover genomic segments that contribute to species adaptability. This has helped us better understand selection, mutation, forceful mating, and recombination processes, as well as genes important for fitness in many species.
Despite the fact that this information has improved the conservation of endangered species and biodiversity, it is still poorly understood and applied in the majority of the world's developing regions. The workshop aims to overcome such gaps, encourage proactive scientific engagements, and develop research skills for understanding the use of bioinformatics tools and genomics data for biodiversity conservation.
The training program sought to offer participants with fundamental knowledge of molecular ecology and bioinformatics. The workshop's specific goals were to train participants in bioinformatics techniques for biological diversity conservation, as well as to introduce them to databases for accessing and analyzing genetic data, as well as computer packages and software that have been implemented for this purpose.
Plate 2: Early morning bird watch activities during the workshop
Workshop Sessions & Talks
Biodiversity and Conservation (1st talk-virtual)
This segment offered an overview of biodiversity and conservation from a global and local viewpoint, with focus on risks and conservation concerns. This presentation was titled, Conservation and Biodiversity’ and was made by Dr Taiye A. Adeyanju, of the University of Ibadan, Nigeria..
Plate 3 Presentation on Biodiersity and conservation delevered by Dr T.A. Adeyanju
Role of genomics analytical tools in species conservation (2nd talk-virtual)
The use of bioinformatics in genetics, genomics, and phylogenetics was the main topic of this section. The methods for analyzing genetic data and genomics were presented to the participants, along with the ways in which genomic data have advanced our knowledge of biodiversity protection. The resource person demonstrated the value of his work in species conservation through his presentation. The presentation titled, ‘Use of bioinformatics in phylogenetics: "Understanding Evolutionary Biogeography in a Changing World", was made by Dr. Daru H. Barnabas of the Department of Life Sciences, Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi, USA.
Conservation Genetics in Nigeria I (3rd talk-virtual)
Participants learned about Nigeria's conservation genetics strategy, specifically as it relates to bird population genetics. The resource person has a great deal of experience in this field; she is Dr. Jacinta Abalaka from the Molecular Ecology Lab at APLORI. In her talk, "Conservation Genetics in Nigeria: the Rock Firefinch Lagonosticta sanguinodorsalis Project," she discussed the significance of the findings for the preservation of African and Nigerian species.
Conservation Genetics in Nigeria II (4th talk-virtual)
In this instance, participants also learned about Nigerian genetic conservation. Dr. Talatu Tende of NiBAP, Nigeria, the resource person, has vast experience in this field. She presented on "Conservation Genetics in Nigeria: the Lion Panthera leo Project" and discussed the significance of her findings for the preservation of mammalian carnivores in Africa and Nigeria.
Plate 4: The presentation on the conservation genetics of Lion by Dr Talatu Tende
Bioinformatics as too in life sciences (5th talk-physical)
The in-silico approach to genetic data retrieval and analysis for diverse applications was the main topic of this section. Proteomics and the use of computer-based tools and programs to create and construct molecules that may be relevant for biodiversity conservation were explained to the participants. In the field of vaccine development, the resource person, Dr. O.S. Onile of Elizade University, showcased his work by delivering a presentation titled "Designing a conserved peptide-based subunit vaccine against sars-cov-2 using immunoinformatics approach."
Plate 5: Presnetation on Immunoinformatics by Dr O.S. Onile
DNA Barcoding and Forensics:
Participants were given an introduction to DNA barcoding in the ensuing portion. It was intended to demonstrate how it is used in nutrition analysis, trophic interaction, taxonomy, and forensic sciences. Dr. T.C. Omotoriogun, the presenter, discussed the goals of the DNA barcoding project that is presently being carried out on birds in West Africa and Nigeria.
Plates 6: Presentation on DNA Barcoding by Dr T.C. Omotoriogun
Databases, Illustration and group work
This session was meant to introduce participants to genetic databases and analysis; and instigate critical thinking and application of bioinformatics knowledge for solving ecological problems. Simple practical exercises in the areas above was intended to give participants hand-on training. The participants were shared into group with responsibility to apply the knowledge gained from the workshop to address a problem.
Organizers & facilitators
The training workshop was mainly organized by Department of Biological Sciences, Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin Nigeria, in collaboration with the A.P. Leventis Ornithological Research Institute (APLORI), Jos Nigeria, and the Department of Research and Collection, Natural History Museum, University of Oslo Norway. Dr. T.C. Omotoriogun Chaired the Local Organizing Committee.
Acknowledgments
Many thanks to the Elizade University Management for approval to hold the workshop. We appreciate the Natural History Museum, University of Oslo for financial support, and the A.P Leventis Ornithological Research Institute, University of Jos for logistic support. Many thanks to all staff of the Department of Biological Sciences, Elizade University for their effort during the workshop. Thanks to all invited guest speakers, executive trainers, and to all patrons for advise and supports; and also to all the participants.
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