Actions
Action 4.4
Action 4.6

4.5. Minimise loss of genetic diversity across all threatened species and retain at least 95% gene diversity in species where it is already depleted.

Assessing and monitoring the genetic diversity of wild species has been relatively neglected until recently. Major advances in genetic and now genomic research have significantly increased the power of molecular analyses and reduced the costs. DNA analysis relies on well-equipped laboratories and trained scientific staff. Therefore, several monitoring and reporting approaches have been developed that use proxy measures where DNA data are not available. Such proxies may include effective population size, range contraction, fragmentation, and others. The headline CBD Indicator for the genetic component of Target 4 is “the proportion of the populations of a species that have an effective population size >500”. A recent study compared five proposed methods for monitoring genetic diversity, and recommended a scorecard system as a unified reporting mechanism by (O’Brien et al. 2022). 

Subactions

  • 4.5.1. Evaluate the loss in genetic diversity in populations of threatened species through genetic and genomic tools or proxy assessments.
  • 4.5.2. Develop standardised genetic diversity indicators and reporting mechanisms for policy makers and conservation managers.
  • 4.5.3. Use genetic and genomic analyses to inform integrated metapopulation management of ex situ and in situ populations and their role in reintroductions and reinforcement.
  • 4.5.4. Include genetic risks in species Red List assessments.

Primary tools and resources

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The Scottish genetic scorecard

This scorecard is a flexible tool for assessing the risk or potential risk to genetic diversity of wild species. The scorecard contains a set of questions on distribution, biology, and threats that enable users to score the level of potential genetic threat to a species, in situ and ex situ. The scorecard can therefore be used in situations where direct evidence from genetic analyses is not available. The scorecard can also be used in situations with limited resources, according to capacity, the level of knowledge, and the diversity and scale of the country.

How to use

Details of the scorecard and examples are available at: https://www.nature.scot/doc/scotlands-biodiversity-progress-2020-aichi-targets-conserving-genetic-diversity-development-national

https://www.nature.scot/doc/scotlands-biodiversity-progress-2020-aichi-targets-aichi-target-13-genetic-diversity-maintained

The Coalition for Conservation Genetics

The Coalition is a global network of conservation genetic experts working towards a shared goal of improving the integration of genetic information into conservation policy and practice.

The Coalition also aims to increase global capacity in conservation genetics by offering opportunities and support for currently underrepresented groups.

How to use

Further information is available at: https://www.coalitionforconservationgenetics.org

A set of webinars, reports, and publications on genetic research, capacity building, and policy are available on the Resources page at:

https://www.coalitionforconservationgenetics.org/resources

The study by O’Brien et al. (2022) can be accessed at: Bringing together approaches to reporting on within species genetic diversity – O’Brien – 2022 – Journal of Applied Ecology – Wiley Online Library

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Other tools and resources

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River Dolphins

River dolphins still swim in some of the world’s greatest rivers, but all six surviving species are threatened with extinction. This site provides the best global source of knowledge and solutions that can boost efforts to safeguard these iconic animals – and benefit the people and nature that depend on their rivers.

WildLabs Conservation Technology Community

WILDLABS is home to the global conservation technology community of 8,600 people in 120 countries discussing 1,500 topics like biologging, camera traps, and machine learning. With engaging spaces to ask questions and collaborate together, share your own work, and discover new ideas and innovations, WILDLABS is your platform to connect with #Tech4Wildlife experts and projects from around the world.

IWC Scientific Committee work on cetacean DNA

As genetic data are frequently applied to give advice to the IWC (including, but not limited to, detection of population structure), there is a need to agree on data quality criteria for currently used DNA marker types (sequences, microsatellites, Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs); possibly nuclear DNA sequencing in the future). The guidelines and considerations on DNA quality provided here represent common practice subject to ongoing discussion and will need future adaptation, as the state-of-the-art of DNA analysis in population genetics progresses.

It is also evident that, although accordance to these guidelines is highly desirable, this does not preclude consideration of genetic work failing to fully meet these standards. Nonetheless, the issues raised below are intended to assist Scientific Committee members in judging the respective reliability of information from genetic studies. In addition, for studies explicitly carried out to give stock definition advice to the IWC, adherence to these guidelines is strongly recommended.

Sefari genetic scorecard

The following case study summarises a SEFARI Think Tank involving the Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh and Scottish Natural Heritage. SEFARI Think Tanks are designed to address challenging and often contested research questions of national and international importance. This project brought together experts to address Aichi Target 13 on the conservation of genetic diversity. The project has established a world-first method to help understand and conserve genetic diversity in some of Scotland’s most iconic wild species. This fills a significant gap in addressing this international target, as the practical tool will enable other countries to assess its genetic diversity and compare what has been measured in Scotland.

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Solutions and case studies

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Beavers in Knapdale: Scottish Beavers Reinforcement Project

The Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber) has been extinct in mainland Britain since the 16th century. The Scottish Beaver Trial was the first licensed mammal reintroduction project in the UK, establishing a beaver population of Norwegian origin in Scotland’s Knapdale forest. However, the population was small, with low genetic diversity threatening it with extirpation. The Scottish Beavers reinforcement project was designed to mitigate this risk. Following extensive public consultation and genetic sampling, the project released 21 beavers of Bavarian origin with more, different genetic diversity to Knapdale between 2017 and 2020. The reinforcement was a success, with subsequent monitoring finding increased breeding and new lochs occupied. Additionally, genetic sampling has indicated significantly higher genetic diversity in the population compared to before the translocation, improving the population’s resilience. The project has acted as a template for other translocations and informed Scotland’s Beaver Strategy 2022-2045.

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Actors

IUCN
IUCN SSC Conservation Genetics Specialist Group

Academic and research institutions