“Global Study of 600+ Animal and Plant Species Reveals Alarming Decline in Genetic Diversity”

Global genetic diversity among animals and plants has dropped significantly over the last 30 years. A study analyzed data from over 600 species and found that two-thirds of these populations are experiencing declines in genetic variation.

Published in the journal Nature, the research marks the most thorough examination of genetic diversity changes between 1985 and 2019. It combined data from 882 separate studies covering 628 species, including animals, plants, fungi, and chromists.

According to the lead researcher, Assoc Prof Catherine Grueber from the University of Sydney, genetic diversity within a species is vital for its survival. It helps populations adapt to environmental changes, like new diseases or extreme weather. When certain individuals possess traits that allow them to endure these changes, their offspring can inherit these traits, enabling the population to survive.

“If a new disease hits or there’s a heatwave, some individuals may have the right characteristics to withstand those challenges,” Grueber explained. “Those traits can be passed down, allowing the population to persist rather than face extinction.”

One significant goal set at the COP15 biodiversity conference in 2022 was to maintain genetic diversity in both wild and domesticated species. However, many causes of genetic diversity loss mirror those behind population declines: habitat loss, climate change, invasive species, and emerging diseases.

The researchers found that 65% of the populations assessed suffered from ecological disturbances. These included human activities like harvesting and changes in land use. Interestingly, genetic diversity loss was observed even in populations without reported disturbances, indicating a wider problem across species.

“This reflects the broader biodiversity crisis we face today, especially due to ecological disruptions like climate change,” Grueber noted.

On a brighter note, the study also highlighted cases where targeted conservation efforts successfully boosted genetic diversity. For instance, projects aimed at reestablishing populations of endangered species, like the golden bandicoot in Western Australia, showed positive results. By carefully selecting animals for breeding and monitoring genetic health, these efforts maintained diversity across generations.

In the U.S., conservationists saved genetic variation in black-tailed prairie dogs by applying insecticides to control fleas during a plague outbreak. This allowed the prairie dogs to thrive and interbreed, enhancing genetic diversity.

In Scandinavia, measures to support arctic foxes amidst competition from red foxes have also proven effective. By providing extra food and removing the red foxes, genetic diversity among arctic foxes improved.

Grueber emphasized the importance of preserving genetic diversity. “We have the means to make these efforts work,” she said. “It’s crucial for the health of our ecosystems.” This extensive analysis involved species from 141 countries, highlighting the widespread impact of genetic diversity loss.