Genetic diversity is on the decline, but this trend can be slowed

Photo Credit: Tomáš Malík

Genetic diversity is crucial to the ability of animals and plants to adapt to changes in the climate and environment. A major international meta-analysis, published in the journal Nature, shows that genetic diversity is declining globally. But there is hope – effective conservation measures can slow this trend.

For a species to adapt to changes in its environment, a high degree of genetic variation between individual entities is crucial. The greater the diversity, the more likely it is that certain genes will make, for example, a plant more resistant to drought or an animal better adapted to higher temperatures. These genes can then be passed on to future generations and contribute to the survival of the species.

An international research team that includes Uppsala University, Stockholm University and the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency has analyzed genetic changes in 628 species over a period of more than 30 years. The study is based on data from more than 80,000 scientific papers and shows that genetic diversity is declining globally, especially among birds and mammals. At the same time, there are conservation measures that have proven to be effective.

“Overall, the study shows that there are effective conservation methods and data that allow for strategic targeting of actions. But then the genetic component needs to be considered,” says Sara Kurland, Postdoctoral Fellow at the Department of Earth Sciences and one of the researchers behind the study.

Sara Kurland, Postdoctoral Fellow at the Department of Earth Sciences.
Photo Credit: Viktor Jacobsson

Combating inbreeding

Of the five measures highlighted, the first is the addition of individual entities. This can counteract the loss of genetic variation in a population.

In some cases, the removal or limitation of individual entities is required. This can be done, for example, to avoid a small number of individual entities reproducing at a disproportionate rate, which can lead to inbreeding.

Another viable measure to prevent populations from becoming too small and inbred is to protect their habitat. One intervention mentioned is the restoration of ecosystems such as wetlands.

In cases where one species is suffering from disease, competition or predation from another species, controlling the other species can help. The Swedish Arctic fox is one example of a species reduced to small populations due to hunting and whose recovery is hampered by competition from the red fox.

Alarming but there is hope

The last measure mentioned is the introduction or reintroduction of populations. This is a controversial intervention, but in some cases can prevent a decline in genetic variation.

“The study shows that the loss of genetic variation is widespread, which is alarming, but the tools to combat further loss exist, which is hopeful. So, the hope is that this can all lead to action, in particular that genetic variation is taken into account in conservation measures. I personally hope that our politicians take note of this and provide increased resources for conservation work such as monitoring programs,” says Sara Kurland.

Published in journal: Nature

Title: Global meta-analysis shows action is needed to halt genetic diversity loss

Authors: Robyn E. Shaw, Katherine A. Farquharson, Michael W. Bruford, David J. Coates, Carole P. Elliott, Joachim Mergeay, Kym M. Ottewell, Gernot Segelbacher, Sean Hoban, Christina Hvilsom, Sílvia Pérez-Espona, Dainis Ruņģis, Filippos Aravanopoulos, Laura D. Bertola, Helena Cotrim, Karen Cox, Vlatka Cubric-Curik, Robert Ekblom, José A. Godoy, Maciej K. Konopiński, Linda Laikre, Isa-Rita M. Russo, Nevena Veličković, Philippine Vergeer, Carles Vilà, Vladimir Brajkovic, David L. Field, William P. Goodall-Copestake, Frank Hailer, Tara Hopley, Frank E. Zachos, Paulo C. Alves, Aleksandra Biedrzycka, Rachel M. Binks, Joukje Buiteveld, Elena Buzan, Margaret Byrne, Barton Huntley, Laura Iacolina, Naomi L. P. Keehnen, Peter Klinga, Alexander Kopatz, Sara Kurland, Jennifer A. Leonard, Chiara Manfrin, Alexis Marchesini, Melissa A. Millar, Pablo Orozco-terWengel, Jente Ottenburghs, Diana Posledovich, Peter B. Spencer, Nikolaos Tourvas, Tina Unuk Nahberger, Pim van Hooft, Rita Verbylaite, Cristiano Vernesi, and Catherine E. Grueber

Source/Credit: Uppsala University | Malin Eivergård

Reference Number: con020625_01

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