Advancing Conservation Through SMRT Sequencing: How Cutting-Edge Technology is Supporting Global Biodiversity

BY Colossal Biosciences

Conservation efforts are evolving rapidly, thanks in part to breakthroughs in genetic research. One of the most exciting developments in this field is the growing use of SMRT sequencing, or Single Molecule, Real-Time sequencing, to uncover critical insights into biodiversity and ecosystem health. 

The Colossal Foundation is proud to highlight the transformative work being supported by PacBio’s 2025 SMRT Conserve Grant, which is empowering researchers to apply long-read sequencing technology to protect endangered species and preserve fragile ecosystems.

The recently announced winners are Luke Campillo, Ph.D., postdoctoral research analyst at the University of Hawaii; Florida Atlantic University Senior Research Fellow Iris Segura-García, Ph.D.; Pierre Charruau, Ph.D.,  researcher at El Colegio de la Frontera Sur; Associate professor of biology at Istanbul University, Vahap Eldem; and Professor Zulqarnain Mohamed, Institute of Biological Science, Universiti Malaya.

Their areas of expertise include conservation efforts involving endangered birds like the Hawaiian Honeycreeper, Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin, and the American crocodile.

What is SMRT Sequencing?

SMRT sequencing is a powerful genomic technology developed by PacBio that allows scientists to read long DNA sequences with high accuracy. Unlike traditional short-read sequencing methods, SMRT sequencing provides a more complete and detailed view of complex genomes, including repetitive regions and structural variations that are often missed with other techniques. This level of precision makes SMRT sequencing particularly valuable for conservation biology, where understanding genetic diversity is essential for protecting species at risk of extinction.

Traditional short-read sequencing technologies have been instrumental in advancing genetics and biotechnology, but they come with limitations when applied to conservation. Short-read methods generate fragmented data, which makes it challenging to reconstruct complete genomes or study structural variations. In contrast, SMRT sequencing reads much longer strands of DNA, often exceeding 10,000 base pairs, and provides a more complete picture of genetic architecture. This capability allows researchers to study complex traits, evolutionary relationships, and adaptive potential with far greater accuracy.

For example, SMRT sequencing has been critical in decoding the genomes of species with large, complex genomes, such as amphibians and plants. These species often have highly repetitive DNA sequences, which are difficult to sequence using short-read technology. The ability to analyze complete genomes with high resolution makes SMRT sequencing an invaluable tool for understanding the evolutionary history and adaptive potential of species under threat.

Why SMRT Sequencing Matters for Conservation

Conservation genomics focuses on studying the genetic makeup of species to understand their adaptability, health, and long-term survival. By using SMRT sequencing, researchers can:

  • Map genetic diversity – Understanding the genetic variation within a species helps conservationists identify which populations are most vulnerable to environmental changes or disease.
  • Identify evolutionary patterns – Sequencing complete genomes provides insights into how species have adapted to different environments over time.
  • Improve breeding programs – Genetic information helps conservation programs make informed decisions about breeding strategies to maintain or enhance genetic diversity.
  • Detect and prevent disease – Understanding the genetic basis of disease resistance can help protect endangered species from extinction.
  • Preserve keystone species – Keystone species, which play a critical role in maintaining ecosystem balance, are often the focus of conservation efforts. Genetic research helps identify the genetic traits that make these species resilient to environmental changes.

Moreover, SMRT sequencing provides a more accurate understanding of population structure and gene flow among populations. This information allows conservationists to develop targeted strategies for managing fragmented populations and reconnecting wildlife corridors. In marine ecosystems, for instance, SMRT sequencing has been used to study the genetic diversity of coral species and identify populations that are most resistant to bleaching events caused by climate change.

How the SMRT Conserve Grant is Supporting Global Research

The 2025 SMRT Conserve Grant winners represent some of the most innovative and impactful research in the field of conservation genomics. The winning projects will use SMRT sequencing to tackle critical issues such as:

  • Genetic resilience in endangered species – By sequencing the genomes of species on the brink of extinction, researchers can identify genetic markers associated with health and adaptability.
  • Restoring ecosystems through species reintroduction – Understanding the genetic makeup of species involved in reintroduction efforts increases the chances of long-term survival.
  • Conserving marine biodiversity – Sequencing the genomes of coral, fish, and marine mammals helps researchers address the effects of climate change on ocean ecosystems.
  • Fighting invasive species – Studying the genomes of invasive species provides insight into how they adapt and spread, helping conservationists develop targeted control strategies.

These projects highlight the versatility of SMRT sequencing in addressing a wide range of conservation challenges. For example, understanding the genetic structure of coral species can help identify heat-resistant strains that are more likely to survive rising ocean temperatures. Similarly, sequencing the genomes of apex predators, such as sharks and big cats, can provide insights into population health and genetic bottlenecks, which inform conservation policies.

One of the most exciting aspects of this year’s SMRT Conserve Grant is its focus on under-studied species and ecosystems. Conservation funding often prioritizes charismatic megafauna, such as elephants and pandas, but smaller, less well-known species are equally important for maintaining ecosystem balance. By supporting research on a diverse range of species, the SMRT Conserve Grant helps broaden the scope of conservation genomics and ensures that less visible species receive the attention they deserve.

The Role of the Colossal Foundation in Advancing Conservation

At Colossal Foundation, we believe that cutting-edge science and technology are key to protecting biodiversity and addressing the challenges of climate change. SMRT sequencing is a game-changer for conservation genomics, providing the depth of genetic information needed to make informed decisions about species and ecosystem protection. By supporting initiatives like the SMRT Conserve Grant, we aim to amplify the impact of genomic research and help researchers apply these insights to real-world conservation challenges.

Colossal Foundation’s mission aligns closely with PacBio’s approach to conservation research. Our own work in de-extinction and species restoration relies heavily on high-accuracy genetic data, which is why SMRT sequencing represents such a powerful tool. Understanding the complete genome of extinct or endangered species allows us to apply targeted gene editing and breeding strategies, increasing the likelihood of successful reintroduction efforts.

In addition, Colossal Foundation is actively working to make genomic research more accessible to the global conservation community. We provide funding, technical expertise, and logistical support to research teams conducting fieldwork and laboratory analysis. Our goal is to democratize access to genomic technology and empower conservationists to apply these tools in their own ecosystems.

Why This Matters Now

Climate change, habitat destruction, and human activity are driving species to extinction at an alarming rate. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), over 40,000 species are currently at risk of extinction. Genetic research, including SMRT sequencing, offers a unique opportunity to intervene before it’s too late. By understanding the genetic factors that contribute to species survival, conservationists can develop targeted strategies to preserve biodiversity and strengthen ecosystem resilience.

In the past decade, advances in genomic technology have led to remarkable conservation successes. For example, the sequencing of the Tasmanian devil genome revealed genetic markers linked to resistance to the contagious facial tumor disease, which has decimated wild populations. Similarly, sequencing the genomes of African elephants has provided insights into the genetic basis of tusklessness, which is becoming more common due to selective pressure from poaching.

Looking Ahead

The research supported by the SMRT Conserve Grant is just the beginning. As SMRT sequencing technology continues to evolve, its applications in conservation genomics will expand, providing even deeper insights into the natural world. At the Colossal Foundation, we are excited to see how this technology will shape the future of conservation and look forward to supporting ongoing research in this field.

By combining genomic research with targeted conservation strategies, we have the potential to reverse the decline of endangered species and restore balance to fragile ecosystems. The 2025 SMRT Conserve Grant winners are leading the way in this effort, and we are proud to stand alongside them in the fight to protect the planet’s biodiversity.

Learn more about the 2025 SMRT Conserve Grant and how SMRT sequencing is driving innovation in conservation here.