Genetic diversity is being lost globally but conservation efforts can halt declines, study finds. Genetic diversity is being lost in species around the world, but conservation efforts are helping to safeguard populations, an international team of scientists has found.The most comprehensive global analysis of genetic diversity to date, led by the University of Sydney and including a conservation expert from the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies (R(D)SVS), looked at data for more than 600 species across the globe, including animals, plants, fungi and some microscopic algae.Results show that two-thirds of the populations analysed have been negatively impacted by human activities, with main disturbances including land use change, introduction of diseases, and exploitation and persecution.However, conservation actions such as habitat restoration or plant and animal translocations have a positive effect on the survival of populations and species. These actions are maintaining - and in some cases increasing - genetic diversity.Data standardisationGenetic diversity is important for species' survival, as it helps populations adapt to environmental changes and makes them more resilient to threats such as diseases and habitat loss.A conservation expert from the R(D)SVS has been involved since the initial stages of the study, contributing to the research design, gathering and validating data, and interpreting the results.Researchers used advanced genetic and statistical analysis to gain novel insights from studies carried out in the past three decades, allowing them to better understand how human activities have impacted genetic diversity within species on a global scale.By adopting a meta-analysis approach, a method that allows data from multiple studies to be combined, the team was able to standardise all the data gathered and make comparisons between studies.Conservation successAlthough biodiversity is declining across the globe, there are glimmers of hope, as conservation action can halt these losses and help maintain genetically diverse populations, the research team says. Conservation efforts that could improve or maintain genetic diversity include moving plants or animals between populations to benefit a species or ecosystem, habitat restoration and controlling feral or pest species.Several studies included in the analyses illustrate conservation successes, such as the translocation of arctic foxes into existing small populations of this species in Sweden, and the effective treatment of disease within black-tailed prairie dog populations, which has improved the health of colonies in the US. These findings may encourage more conservation efforts and lead to increased protections for populations that are currently not managed, the authors suggest.The research was published in Nature, in collaboration with colleagues from 55 organisations across 24 countries. Human activities are impacting the genetic diversity of many species and conservation actions are needed to maintain their ability to adapt to environmental change. Despite the challenges of limited or lack of long-term genetic diversity estimates for many species, genetic data already gathered across the globe is highly valuable, and we should encourage policymakers and conservation practitioners to further consider genetics in wildlife conservation and management strategies. Dr Sílvia Pérez-Espona Conservation Science Programme Coordinator, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies This global study would not have been possible even 10 years ago. Advances in genetics and statistics have given us new tools that mean we can continue to learn from studies long after they were carried out – a huge benefit when we are looking at populations and trends on a global scale Associate Professor Catherine Grueber The University of Sydney Related linksResearch publication About 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 800 staff and almost 1400 students, all of whom contribute to our exceptional community ethos. The School comprises: The Roslin Institute The Global Academy of Agriculture and Food Systems 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 29 Jan, 2025