Global Decline in Genetic Diversity Calls for Urgent Conservation Action

A recent study examining over 600 animal and plant species has revealed a concerning global decline in genetic diversity over the past three decades. The analysis, published in the journal Nature, indicates that two-thirds of the populations studied have experienced genetic diversity losses, primarily due to factors such as habitat loss, climate change, and disease.

Lead researcher Associate Professor Catherine Grueber from the University of Sydney emphasized the importance of within-species genetic variation, stating that it allows populations to adapt to environmental changes. The study reviewed 882 prior studies that documented genetic diversity shifts between 1985 and 2019, producing what is considered the most comprehensive assessment of its kind.

The researchers also discovered that while many populations faced ecological disturbances, such as human intervention or land use changes, genetic diversity losses occurred even in the absence of reported disruptions. This suggests a wider biodiversity crisis linked to ongoing ecological disturbances and climate change.

However, the study highlights successful conservation strategies that have improved genetic diversity in specific cases, such as the establishment of new populations of golden bandicoots in Western Australia and innovative measures to protect black-tailed prairie dogs in the US. In Scandinavia, efforts to support arctic fox populations through supplementary feeding and the removal of red foxes have led to a notable increase in genetic diversity.

Experts urge that maintaining genetic diversity is crucial for the survival of species, as it enhances their resilience against environmental changes. The findings are a call to action for urgent and tailored conservation efforts worldwide.