The AMNH Center for Conservation Genetics (ConGen) employs cutting-edge techniques in genetics, molecular biology, population biology, molecular ecology, and forensics to identify and ameliorate genetic threats to endangered species and to develop and support conservation strategies for retaining genetic diversity. Working closely with the AMNH Center for Biodiversity and Conservation (CBC), the Molecular Systematics Laboratory (MSL), the Cullman Molecular Laboratory (CML), the Sackler Institute for Comparative Genomics (SICG), Ambrose Monell Cryo Collection (AMCC), and Museum Curators, ConGen uses the latest techniques in conservation biology to conduct critically important research and design conservation management plans.

As new techniques are developed in the field of genomics and molecular biology, ConGen scientists and graduate students identify new methods and models to enhance our efforts in conserving biodiversity and successfully retaining genetically healthy populations in threatened habitats. ConGen is an interdepartmental program building on a unique and diverse set of areas of excellence at AMNH. The Center also has significant collaborative relationships with Columbia University (Center for Environmental Research & Conservation, and Department of Ecology, Ecology, and Environmental Biology), Yale University (Yale Institute for Biospheric Studies) and numerous conservation NGOs. In addition, the CCG provides important expert advice to numerous agencies and institutions including the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), American Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the World Conservation Union (IUCN), and the International Whaling Commission (IWC).