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

Nature, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Jan. 29, 2025

Mitigating loss of genetic diversity is a major global biodiversity challenge1-4. To meet recent international commitments to maintain within species5,6, we need understand relationships between threats, conservation management and change. Here conduct analysis change via meta-analysis all available temporal measures from more than three decades research. We show that within-population being lost over timescales likely have been impacted by human activities, some actions may mitigate this loss. Our dataset includes 628 species (animals, plants, fungi chromists) across terrestrial most marine realms on Earth. Threats two-thirds the populations analysed, less half analysed received management. Genetic occurs globally realistic prediction for many species, especially birds mammals, in face threats such as land use change, disease, abiotic natural phenomena harvesting or harassment. Conservation strategies designed improve environmental conditions, increase population growth rates introduce new individuals (for example, restoring connectivity performing translocations) even diversity. findings underscore urgent active, genetically informed interventions halt

Language: Английский

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The Idiot's Guide to Effective Population Size

Molecular Ecology, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Feb. 10, 2025

This is a reference manual for the elegant, yet hideously complex concept of effective population size (Ne), inspired by classic, self-published automotive repair 'for compleat idiot'. The Guide timely, given recent Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, where 196 Parties committed to tracking genetic diversity-and estimating Ne-for all species. Ne human construct, but useful one that allows us capture diverse aspects an organism's biology in single number. collates location factual information about size, with focus on topics practical relevance scientists and managers studying real populations; it covers definition, computation estimation both demographically genetically. As appropriate, reader directed other primary sources more details. A 'Don't Do These Things' section lists several ill-advised approaches dealing Ne, Appendix provides tools suggestions interested users. special considers possibilities challenges presented genomics revolution. Availability vast numbers markers increases precision, less than some might think, simultaneously introduces new involving filtering bioinformatics processing. annotated genomes become common non-model species, opportunities are opened address qualitatively different questions, including reconstructing historical changes through time.

Language: Английский

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DNA-based studies and genetic diversity indicator assessments are complementary approaches to conserving evolutionary potential

Conservation Genetics, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 25(6), P. 1147 - 1153

Published: Aug. 21, 2024

Abstract Genetic diversity is essential for maintaining healthy populations and ecosystems. Several approaches have recently been developed to evaluate population genetic trends without necessarily collecting new data. Such “genetic indicators” enable rapid, large-scale evaluation across dozens thousands of species. Empirical studies, when available, provide detailed information that important management, such as estimates gene flow, inbreeding, erosion adaptation. In this article, we argue the development advancement indicators a complementary approach studies in conservation biology, but not substitute. empirical data can different conserving diversity. affordable tracking, reporting, prioritization communication, although, being proxies, do comprehensive status Conversely, methods offer analysis given species or population, although they remain challenging implement most globally, current capacity resourcing. We conclude are both actions recommend be used combination monitoring

Language: Английский

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Conservation status of Erebia palaricaChapman, 1905 (Lepidoptera, Nymphalidae): Local insight and whole distribution perspective

Insect Conservation and Diversity, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Jan. 14, 2025

Abstract Conservation efforts are often limited by the lack of information on poorly understood species. Such is case Erebia palarica Chapman, 1905, a narrow endemic butterfly restricted to mountain ranges northwest Iberia and classified as “Least Concern” IUCN. By combining mark‐release‐recapture (MRR) genetic data, we provide an insight into population size this First, marked 707 butterflies in relatively isolated E. population—Serra do Courel (NW Spain)—and obtained census estimates for two close localities (Alto Couto, N c = 303; A Cabeza Grande, 565); vast majority individuals dispersed less than 500 metres. Second, genotyping 120 from Alto Couto (four generations, 1999–2021) with seven nuclear microsatellites revealed small effective ( e < 100), while also depicting steady increase its value since 2018. We fine‐scale distribution map species study area: found number new sites favourable habitat confirmed persistence area affected massive wildfire during 2022. Finally, propose that conservation status should be updated “Near Threatened”, it remarkably meet several criteria IUCN qualify “Vulnerable”.

Language: Английский

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Restoring genetic diversity to facilitate the implementation of the EU Nature Restoration Law

Biological Conservation, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 303, P. 110995 - 110995

Published: Feb. 13, 2025

Language: Английский

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An Evolutionary Mosaic Challenges Traditional Monitoring of a Foundation Species in a Coastal Environment—The Baltic Fucus vesiculosus

Molecular Ecology, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Feb. 17, 2025

ABSTRACT During periods of environmental change, genetic diversity in foundation species is critical for ecosystem function and resilience, but it remains overlooked monitoring. In the Baltic Sea, a key monitoring brown seaweed Fucus vesiculosus , which forms sublittoral 3D habitats providing shelter food fish invertebrates. Ecological distribution models predict significant loss F. due to ocean warming, unless populations can adapt. Genetic variation recombination during sexual reproduction are essential adaptation, studies have revealed large‐scale clonal within Sea. We analysed genome‐wide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data from east Atlantic, “Transition zone,” found mosaic divergent lineages contrasting an outside dominance few groups. determined that previously described endemic radicans predominantly large female clone its northern distribution. two Estonian sites, however, individuals earlier referred as sexually reproductively isolated revealing separate lineage may diverged long before formation Monitoring without considering this complexity will fail prioritise with adaptive potential new climate conditions. From our genomic data, we extract informative diagnostic markers differentiate major entities. Such SNP panel provide straightforward tool spatial temporal informing management decisions actions.

Language: Английский

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Moving biodiversity from an afterthought to a key outcome of forest restoration

Published: March 20, 2025

Language: Английский

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Unveiling the genetic landscape of Bletilla striata: conservation challenges in a medicinal orchid under threat

Global Ecology and Conservation, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown, P. e03556 - e03556

Published: March 1, 2025

Language: Английский

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Time-lagged genomic erosion and future environmental risks in a bird on the brink of extinction

Proceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 292(2043)

Published: March 1, 2025

Global biodiversity is rapidly declining due to habitat degradation and genomic erosion, highlighting the urgent need monitor endangered species their genetic health. Temporal genomics ecological modelling offer finer resolution than single-time-point measurements, providing a comprehensive view of species’ recent future trajectories. We investigated erosion environmental suitability in critically regent honeyeater ( Anthochaera phrygia ) by sequencing whole genomes historical modern specimens building multi-temporal distribution models (SDMs) across last century. The has declined from hundreds thousands individuals fewer 300 over past 100 years. SDMs correctly predicted known patterns local extinction southeast Australia. Our demographic reconstructions revealed gradual population decline 2000 2500 years ago, sharply accelerating 500 climate variability loss. Despite this substantial collapse, lost only 9% its diversity, with no evidence inbreeding or connectivity Also, it exhibits higher diversity many other threatened bird species. Forward-in-time simulations indicate that time lag between loss conceals risk ongoing into degrading suitability. work underscores for targeted conservation efforts continuous monitoring prevent extinction.

Language: Английский

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Temporal Dynamics of Genetic Diversity in Protected and Unprotected Wild Rice (Oryza rufipogon) Populations: Implications for Conservation

Molecular Ecology, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: March 28, 2025

ABSTRACT Genetic diversity is vital for population survival, yet there a paucity of studies focusing on the effectiveness establishing protected areas maintaining genetic threatened plant species. To evaluate in situ conservation measures, we used simple sequence repeats (SSR) and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) markers to monitor temporal dynamics wild rice Oryza rufipogon both unprotected populations China between 2001 2020. Unprotected tended have decreased census sizes ( Nc ) compared populations, although they showed reduction effective size Ne ). While allele expected heterozygosity remained stable, several especially those without protection, exhibited significant decrease observed Ho an increase inbreeding F IS The level differentiation did not change over time, but number private alleles increased varied indicating effects drift. Indicators trends , revealed that are facing warnings declining diversity, some remain resilient, reflecting lag behind change. Overall, these findings highlight efforts also show necessity lasting monitoring, using different indicators.

Language: Английский

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