National conservation strategies should include evaluation of genetic variation within species, scientists say. Image Genetic diversity of wildlife and other species should be considered in biodiversity strategies. Failure to estimate and monitor genetic diversity in populations of the same species could hinder animals and plants from adapting to a changing environment, a study has found.National conservation strategies to conserve genetic diversity have primarily focused on agricultural species, often not including wildlife, an analysis of multiple countries has found.The findings informed a set of recommendations to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), which could be used to produce standardised guidance on the conservation of genetic diversity for 195 countries and the European Union.Scope for improvementScientists reviewed 114 National Reports to investigate how CBD’s signatory countries assess and protect genetic diversity.More than a fifth of reports did not refer to genetic diversity in their national targets and only 5 percent of countries reported the use of genetic diversity indicators, the review has found.The main indicators of genetic diversity reported by countries, such as the number of genetic resources in conservation facilities, of plant genetic resources, and whether species are threatened, do not reliably measure loss of genetic diversity, scientists say.The collaborative study is published in the journal Biological Conservation and summarised in a policy brief, which has been translated into several languages. It was led by the Morton Arboretum and the US Geological Survey and involved scientists from the Roslin Institute.Genetic diversity of all species, including the ones that are not deemed socioeconomically important, should be considered into national biodiversity strategies to ensure that species and their ecosystems are resilient to environmental changes. We hope that our recommendations will be considered in future assessments worldwide.Dr Sílvia Pérez-EsponaLecturer and Conservation Science Programme Coordinator, Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies** The Roslin Institute receives strategic investment funding from Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council and it is part of the University of Edinburgh’s Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies. **Image credit: Alexa_Fotos on PixabayRelated linksScientific publicationPolicy briefResearch samples could aid wildlife forensicsAbout the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies is a one-of-a-kind centre of excellence in clinical activity, teaching and research. Our purpose-built campus, set against the backdrop of the beautiful Pentland Hills Regional Park, is home to more than eight hundred staff and almost fourteen hundred students, all of whom contribute to our exceptional community ethos. The School comprises: The Roslin Institute The Global Academy of Agriculture and Food Security The Roslin Innovation Centre The Hospital for Small Animals Equine Veterinary Services Farm Animal Services Easter Bush Pathology The Jeanne Marchig International Centre for Animal Welfare Education We represent the largest concentration of animal science-related expertise in Europe, impacting local, regional, national and international communities in terms of economic growth, the provision of clinical services and the advancement of scientific knowledge. Publication date 15 Jul, 2021
