Tag Archives: Conservation biology

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

Posted on by

Type: Journal article

Reference: Shaw, R.E., Farquharson, K.A., Bruford, M.W. et al. Global meta-analysis shows action is needed to halt genetic diversity loss. Nature 638, 704–710 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-08458-x

Abstract

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

A genomic framework to assist conservation breeding and translocation success: A case study of a critically endangered turtle

Posted on by

Type: Journal article

Reference: Nelson, H. V., Farquharson, K. A., Georges, A., McLennan, E. A., DeGabriel, J. L., Giese, M., Ormond, C., McFadden, M., Skidmore, A., Prangell, J., Belov, K., & Hogg, C. J. (2024). A genomic framework to assist conservation breeding and translocation success: A case study of a critically endangered turtle. Conservation Science and Practice, 6(10), e13204. https://doi.org/10.1111/csp2.13204

Abstract

Conservation breeding programs are an effective approach to addressing biodiversity loss. Captive populations are managed to maintain genetic diversity, yet there remains an “implementation gap” in effectively translating molecular genetic data into management. Technological advancements are facilitating rapid generation of genetic data, increasing accessibility for breeding programs. In 2010, Frankham and colleagues proposed a six-stage process for establishing successful conservation breeding and release programs. Here, we describe the conservation breeding program for the critically endangered Bellinger River turtle (Myuchelys georgesi) and characterize the value of genetic sampling for informing management actions. By generating a chromosome-level genome and population genetic data, we investigated past and present diversity and assessed relatedness among captive founders. We present a framework modeled on Frankham and colleagues six stages to assist managers in implementing genetic data into actionable conservation strategies. This framework, and worked case study, for managers aims to better guide implementation of genetic approaches into conservation breeding programs.