The article discusses the use of genomic data to define conservation units (CUs) and understand adaptive differentiation among them. It emphasizes that both neutral and adaptive markers should be used together, not as alternatives, to make optimal management decisions. Genomic data can detect adaptive genetic variation, which is difficult to assess in rare or endangered species. Neutral markers reflect gene flow and genetic drift, while adaptive markers reflect natural selection. The paper proposes a new framework integrating data from both types of markers to protect biodiversity. Conservation units, such as evolutionarily significant units (ESUs) and management units (MUs), are critical for conservation. ESUs are populations with high genetic and ecological distinctiveness, often protected by law. MUs are demographically independent populations with restricted gene flow. Understanding adaptive differentiation among CUs is crucial for conservation, as it helps prioritize populations for protection and informs translocation and assisted migration strategies. The paper highlights that genomic data, particularly next-generation sequencing, can provide more detailed information than traditional markers like microsatellites. It suggests using a combination of neutral and adaptive loci to delineate CUs and characterize adaptive differentiation. The framework recommends using neutral loci for MUs and adaptive loci for ESUs, as they reflect different evolutionary processes. Outlier loci, which show signs of divergent selection, are particularly useful for identifying adaptive differentiation. The paper also discusses the importance of using genomic data to inform conservation decisions, such as selecting appropriate source populations for supplementation and assisted migration. It notes that genomic data can reveal patterns of adaptive variation that are not apparent from traditional methods. However, genomic results should be interpreted carefully, as adaptation is complex and may not always be fully understood. The article concludes that genomic data will play a crucial role in conservation, enabling better management decisions. Future research should focus on refining methods for using genomic data to delineate CUs and quantify adaptive differentiation, considering factors like selection coefficients, gene flow, and population size. The integration of genomic data with ecological and environmental data will enhance conservation strategies.The article discusses the use of genomic data to define conservation units (CUs) and understand adaptive differentiation among them. It emphasizes that both neutral and adaptive markers should be used together, not as alternatives, to make optimal management decisions. Genomic data can detect adaptive genetic variation, which is difficult to assess in rare or endangered species. Neutral markers reflect gene flow and genetic drift, while adaptive markers reflect natural selection. The paper proposes a new framework integrating data from both types of markers to protect biodiversity. Conservation units, such as evolutionarily significant units (ESUs) and management units (MUs), are critical for conservation. ESUs are populations with high genetic and ecological distinctiveness, often protected by law. MUs are demographically independent populations with restricted gene flow. Understanding adaptive differentiation among CUs is crucial for conservation, as it helps prioritize populations for protection and informs translocation and assisted migration strategies. The paper highlights that genomic data, particularly next-generation sequencing, can provide more detailed information than traditional markers like microsatellites. It suggests using a combination of neutral and adaptive loci to delineate CUs and characterize adaptive differentiation. The framework recommends using neutral loci for MUs and adaptive loci for ESUs, as they reflect different evolutionary processes. Outlier loci, which show signs of divergent selection, are particularly useful for identifying adaptive differentiation. The paper also discusses the importance of using genomic data to inform conservation decisions, such as selecting appropriate source populations for supplementation and assisted migration. It notes that genomic data can reveal patterns of adaptive variation that are not apparent from traditional methods. However, genomic results should be interpreted carefully, as adaptation is complex and may not always be fully understood. The article concludes that genomic data will play a crucial role in conservation, enabling better management decisions. Future research should focus on refining methods for using genomic data to delineate CUs and quantify adaptive differentiation, considering factors like selection coefficients, gene flow, and population size. The integration of genomic data with ecological and environmental data will enhance conservation strategies.