Genetic diversity is declining globally. But conservation efforts offer hope to protect species
Genetic diversity is declining globally. But conservation efforts offer hope to protect species
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The climate crisis is impacting the genetic diversity that helps species adapt to environmental changes. While genetic diversity, the unique differences that determine the color of hair and the shape of a finch’s beak, is being lost across the world amid the world’s ongoing species extinction crisis, scientists had good news on Wednesday.
![[Baby bandicoots are seen in Western Australia during population and genetic monitoring. New populations of the threatened golden bandicoot were established in the region]](https://static.independent.co.uk/2025/01/29/16/36/Low-Res_Baby-bandicoots-in-Western-Australia-during-population-and-genetic-monitoring--Credit-Judy-D.jpeg)
Conservation efforts are helping to protect species and what makes each individual special. The data they collected to reach these conclusions spans more than 30 years, from the late 1980s to 2019. It looks at nearly 630 species of animals, plants, and fungi.
But, efforts to improve environmental conditions, restore habitats, grow populations, and introduce new animals for breeding and maintaining and sometimes even increasing genetic diversity in species. For example, new populations of the threatened golden bandicoot were established in Western Australia, maintaining habitat for endangered Hine’s emerald dragonflies has helped the species maintain genetic diversity, and Scandinavian arctic foxes that have seen huge declines due to the fur trade have seen success following captive breeding programs.
However, the study’s authors say additional actions could be taken to improve or maintain genetic diversity, including moving animals between populations, habitat restoration, and controlling invasive or feral species. “Despite successes, we can’t be complacent. Two-thirds of the populations analysed are facing threats, and among these populations less than half received any kind of conservation management,” co-first author Dr. Robert Shaw, from Australia’s University of Canberra, said. “It’s vital that we learn from what is working so that we can protect species in the long-term.”.
