Research indicates a decline in genetic diversity among animals and plants
Before a species faces extinction, its population tends to decrease and become more fragmented. This reduction limits the number of available mates, resulting in decreased genetic diversity. Consequently, such a species becomes increasingly susceptible to future challenges, including disease.
TroibNews 
A research article published in the journal Nature on Wednesday reveals that two-thirds of animal and plant populations are experiencing a decline in genetic diversity, which poses challenges for adapting to environmental changes.
Before a species faces extinction, its population tends to become smaller and more fragmented. This reduction limits the number of potential mates and hinders genetic mixing, making the species increasingly susceptible to threats like disease.
"A surprising trend was that we saw genetic diversity declining even among many species that aren't considered at risk," noted co-author Catherine Grueber, a conservation biologist at the University of Sydney.
The study involved an analysis of data from 628 species assessed between 1985 and 2019, with the most significant losses in genetic variation observed in birds and mammals.
"When a species has different genetic solutions, it's better able to deal with changes," explained David Nogues-Bravo from the University of Copenhagen, who did not participate in the study.
As environmental factors such as new diseases or climate changes impact a population, certain individuals may thrive better than others, partially due to their genetic traits. Higher genetic diversity enhances the likelihood of a species’ survival.
Conservation initiatives aimed at connecting isolated populations—effectively broadening the mating opportunities for specific species—can assist in maintaining or even rejuvenating genetic diversity.
The Florida panther, an endangered species that has lost significant habitat due to urban development and highways, illustrates this issue. By the mid-1990s, the remaining panthers in southern Florida were displaying evident signs of inbreeding, including deformities like kinked tails and reduced sperm counts among males.
To address this, biologists introduced eight female panthers from Texas to Florida. Two decades later, the wild population of Florida panthers has seen a notable increase, along with an improvement in genetic diversity.
"Isolated populations suffer," commented Duke University ecologist Stuart Pimm, who was not involved in the research. "The solution is to reconnect them."
Sophie Wagner for TROIB News
Before a species faces extinction, its population tends to become smaller and more fragmented. This reduction limits the number of potential mates and hinders genetic mixing, making the species increasingly susceptible to threats like disease.
"A surprising trend was that we saw genetic diversity declining even among many species that aren't considered at risk," noted co-author Catherine Grueber, a conservation biologist at the University of Sydney.
The study involved an analysis of data from 628 species assessed between 1985 and 2019, with the most significant losses in genetic variation observed in birds and mammals.
"When a species has different genetic solutions, it's better able to deal with changes," explained David Nogues-Bravo from the University of Copenhagen, who did not participate in the study.
As environmental factors such as new diseases or climate changes impact a population, certain individuals may thrive better than others, partially due to their genetic traits. Higher genetic diversity enhances the likelihood of a species’ survival.
Conservation initiatives aimed at connecting isolated populations—effectively broadening the mating opportunities for specific species—can assist in maintaining or even rejuvenating genetic diversity.
The Florida panther, an endangered species that has lost significant habitat due to urban development and highways, illustrates this issue. By the mid-1990s, the remaining panthers in southern Florida were displaying evident signs of inbreeding, including deformities like kinked tails and reduced sperm counts among males.
To address this, biologists introduced eight female panthers from Texas to Florida. Two decades later, the wild population of Florida panthers has seen a notable increase, along with an improvement in genetic diversity.
"Isolated populations suffer," commented Duke University ecologist Stuart Pimm, who was not involved in the research. "The solution is to reconnect them."
Sophie Wagner for TROIB News
