Reference Genomes for Conservation
Creating open-access genomic resources for researchers worldwide
What is a reference genome?
A reference genome is a high-quality, complete map of an organism’s DNA—essentially a detailed blueprint of all its genes. It acts as the master guide scientists use to assemble and interpret DNA sequences from other individuals of the same species. Without this guide, genomic data are like puzzle pieces without the picture on the box: the pieces exist, but it’s difficult to know how they fit together.
Why do reference genomes matter for conservation?
When scientists have them, they can quickly spot problems such as inbreeding, assess the level of genetic diversity, and learn how turtles survive in their habitats. Because these DNA maps are free for anyone to use, they help researchers everywhere find better ways to protect endangered turtles faster.
Adopt A Turtle
Only 11 of 59 native U.S. species currently have a reference genome. Advances in sequencing technology have dramatically reduced the cost. What once cost nearly $1 million per species can now be completed for about $8,500. Your adoption directly funds the creation of these essential, open-access reference genomes for species that still lack them.
Alabama Map Turtle
Graptemys pulchra
Alabama Red-bellied Turtle
Pseudemys alabamensis
Alligator Snapping Turtle
Macrochelys temminckii
Barbour’s Map Turtle
Graptemys barbouri
Black-knobbed Map Turtle
Graptemys nigrinoda
Bog Turtle
Glyptemys muhlenbergii
Bolson Tortoise
Gopherus flavomarginatus
Cagle’s Map Turtle
Graptemys caglei
Chicken Turtle
Deirochelys reticularia
Desert Tortoise
Gopherus agassizii
Eastern Box Turtle
Terrapene carolina
Eastern Mud Turtle
Kinosternon subrubrum
Escambia Map Turtle
Graptemys ernsti
False Map Turtle
Graptemys pseudogeographica
Flattened Musk Turtle
Sternotherus depressus
Florida Cooter
Pseudemys floridana
Florida Mud Turtle
Kinosternon steindachneri
Florida Red-bellied Turtle
Pseudemys nelsoni
Florida Softshell Turtle
Apalone ferox
Gopher Tortoise
Gopherus polyphemus
Intermediate Musk Turtle
Sternotherus intermedius
Loggerhead Musk Turtle
Sternotherus minor
Morafka’s Desert Tortoise
Gopherus morafkai
Northern Red-bellied Turtle
Pseudemys rubriventris
Ornate box turtle
Terrapene ornata
Ouachita Map Turtle
Graptemys ouachitensis
Pascagoula Map Turtle
Graptemys gibbonsi
Pearl River Map Turtle
Graptemys pearlensis
Peninsula Cooter
Pseudemys peninsularis
Razor-backed Musk Turtle
Sternotherus carinatus
Ringed Map Turtle
Graptemys oculifera
Rio Grande Cooter
Pseudemys gorzugi
River Cooter
Pseudemys concinna
Rough-footed Mud Turtle
Kinosternon hirtipes
Sabine Map Turtle
Graptemys sabinensis
Smooth Softshell Turtle
Apalone mutica
Sonoran Mud Turtle
Kinosternon sonoriense
Spiny Softshell Turtle
Apalone spinifera
Stripe-necked Musk Turtle
Sternotherus peltifer
Striped Mud Turtle
Kinosternon baurii
Texas Cooter
Pseudemys texana
Texas Map Turtle
Graptemys versa
Texas Tortoise
Gopherus berlandieri
Western Pond Turtle
Actinemys pallida
Yellow Mud Turtle
Kinosternon flavescens
Yellow-blotched Map Turtle
Graptemys flavimaculata
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