Bringing together approaches to reporting on within species genetic diversity

Abstract

1. Genetic diversity is one of the three main levels of biodiversity recognised in the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). Fundamental for species adaptation to environmental change, genetic diversity is nonetheless under-reported within global and national indicators. When it is reported, the focus is often narrow and confined to domesticated or other commercial species.2. Several approaches have recently been developed to address this shortfall in reporting on genetic diversity of wild species. While multiplicity of approaches is helpful in any development process, it can also lead to confusion among policy makers and heighten a perception that conservation genetics is too abstract to be of use to organisations and governments.3. As the developers of five of the different approaches, we have come together to explain how various approaches relate to each other and propose a scorecard, as a unifying reporting mechanism for genetic diversity. 4. Policy implications. We believe the proposed combined approach captures the strengths of its components and is practical for all nations and subnational governments. It is scalable and can be used to evaluate species conservation projects as well as genetic conservation projects.

Challenges in quantifying genome erosion for conservation

“…Overall genetic diversity is essential for the survival of a species. Genetic diversity is recognized as one of three important levels of biological diversity by the Concention on Biological Diversity (CBD; O’Brien et al, 2022 ). Genetic diversity is the fuel for populations to evolve and adapt to changing environments ( Frankham, 1996 ; Reed & Frankham, 2003 ; Hughes et al, 2008 ).…”

“…To do this, funding needs to be allocated to the real world applications of recent technological advancements and communication between conservationists, geneticists and policy creators need to be improved ( van Oosterhout, 2020 ). Recent efforts have made important contributions to bridge the gap between the vast scientific progress in the field and applicability ( Hoban et al, 2020 ; O’Brien et al, 2022 ), leading to the much-needed incorporation of genetic data in the assessment of at risk species.…”

Selecting species and populations for monitoring of genetic diversity

“…However, monitoring of genetic diversity has not been given the necessary attention (Laikre, 2010;Laikre et al, 2016), particularly for wild species. Several parties to the CBD are looking to improve the recognition and reporting of genetic diversity, following concerns that early drafts did not give it sufficient prominence (Laikre et al, 2020;O'Brien et al, 2022). While most parties recognise the general importance of genetic diversity, in the past, reporting on genetic diversity has been inconsistent, superficial, or even overlooked in wild species completely (Hoban et al, 2021b).…”

Monitoring status and trends in genetic diversity for the Convention on Biological Diversity: an ongoing assessment of genetic indicators in nine countries

“…Lastly, we note that the indicators presented here are complementary to other indicators which are very useful in certain situations. The "genetic scorecard" assesses genetic diversity threats such as hybridization and poor recruitment 52,53 , while another indicator assesses the extent to which geographic ranges are protected in situ or ex situ 54,55 . Meanwhile, direct assessments of genomic health (e.g.…”