Towards inclusion of genetic diversity measures into IUCN assessments: a case study on birds

Abstract

The IUCN Red List categorizes species based on their geographical distribution and population size. However, attributes such as genetic information are not yet considered. We compiled information on genetic diversity (HE, HO) and inbreeding coefficient (f) along with their ecological attributes (IUCN category, migratory habit, forest dependence and habitat type) from a literature survey to assess whether bird species categorized as being of highest conservation concern display the lowest genetic diversity. We used generalized linear mixed models (GLMM) to test whether avian species with less inclusive characteristics (e.g., taxa with small geographical distributions or low dispersal capability) display lower genetic diversity than those classified as Least Concern (LC). We used hylogenetic generalized least squares (pGLS) to account for phylogenetic independence of predictor variables and to verify robustness of GLMMs (generalized linear mixed models). In general, GLMM revealed more significant relationships among ecological attributes and genetic diversity patterns. After accounting for phylogenetic independence, the highest average heterozygosity values were observed in species falling under the LC category; non–migratory birds showed lower HO and HE average values than migratory birds, while non–forest birds showed lower heterozygosity than forest birds. Hence, we corroborate our hypothesis that genetic diversity of birds is lower in species of high conservation concern. We hope our results promote further studies on genetic diversity of bird populations. Lastly, we propose the incorporation of genetic data as metrics in the assessment of bird conservation status.

A Change in Conservation Status of Pachyphytum caesium (Crassulaceae), a Threatened Species from Central Mexico Based on Genetic Studies

“…This study highlights the importance of using genetic data in the risk analysis of a species, as suggested by Garner et al [8], Victorino et al [16], and Lanes et al [17]. The genetic results and simulations included in the MER [26] suggest that the species is in danger of extinction and not threatened, as reported by Clark-Tapia et al [21] using only ecological data.…”

“…Although genetic studies are important toward the species conservation, these results are rarely included in the Red List of threatened species of the International Union for Conservation of Nature's (IUCN) methodology [8,[15][16][17]. Several authors have suggested the importance of incorporating genetic information in the red list criteria, since currently considered parameters are insufficient criteria of the ecological and evolutionary resilience of the species to global change, including land-use and climatic changes [16,17]. Presently, the Red List is focused on recent, current, or future threats related to sustainable habitat loss, population size, or exploitation levels [18].…”

Global Commitments to Conserving and Monitoring Genetic Diversity Are Now Necessary and Feasible

“…At the 2016 World Conservation Congress, IUCN resolution 104 asked its member states to recognize, protect, and manage forest genetic units, whereas the 2020 IUCN resolution 109 calls for increased integration of genetic diversity into all IUCN planning activities, including protected area planning and natural capital. On the other hand, although the IUCN Red List, the globally most important species’ assessment tool, recognizes that the degree of genetic exchange is an important criterion for delimiting populations, it does not systematically incorporate genetic concepts or data into its threat assessment methodology, although proposals have been made for this (Willoughby et al 2015 , Vitorino et al 2019 , Garner et al 2020 ).…”

Life-history traits and habitat availability shape genomic diversity in birds: implications for conservation

“…Life-history traits such as diet and body mass strongly influence the genomic diversity of species [5,23,24]. For instance, smaller bodied bird species are more threatened by habitat loss and modification [25], whereas larger bodied species are more at risk of extinction from direct effects from humans [26].…”