The molecular techniques for producing the type and quantity of data required for conservation studies are now available, and the number of statistical methods applicable to such genetic data is constantly growing. We propose two clear objectives critical to ensconcing conservation genetics as a mature and indispensable discipline: the regular and correct application of the more sophisticated analytical tools to real data sets (which will require even closer collaboration between theoreticians and field biologists) and the efficient use of these results to define conservation strategies and influence policy.