With rapidly increasing sequencing technology, it has become more cost-effective on a per sample basis to sequence thousands of loci instead of a few traditional markers. From a variety of DNA sources, we use a dual-digest RADseq approach (3RAD) to sequence hundreds to tens of thousands of genomic markers across the genome. We sequence these markers on Illumina platforms (MiSeq, HiSeq or NovaSeq) to generate SNPs for bait design, or calculate population genetic statistics. We can also use this library preparation technique, without the digests, to multiplex environmental samples for metabarcoding (see eDNA section) using standard or custom primers and species databases.
See our Conservation Genomics for Imperiled Species section for examples of how we’ve used next-generation sequencing to inform conservation.