NATURE STUDY SUGGESTS GLOBAL DECLINE IN INTRASPECIFIC GENETIC DIVERSITY

GS3 ENVIRONMENT 

A recent study analyzed data spanning three decades and examined over 600 species of animals, plants, and fungi across terrestrial and marine ecosystems.

• Genetic Diversity: Refers to the range of inherited traits within a species, crucial for population adaptation to changing environments. It is vital for the long-term survival of species and ecosystem resilience.

Key Findings of the Study

• Extent of Genetic Loss: Two-thirds of the studied populations experienced a decline in genetic diversity, with less than half receiving any conservation management.
• Impact Areas: Genetic loss occurred regardless of IUCN status and was not limited to rare and threatened species. Birds and mammals were particularly affected.
• Conservation Measures: Habitat restoration, disease control, and captive breeding can help reverse genetic loss.

Various Initiatives

• Convention on Biological Diversity’s Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework: Includes targets for safeguarding genetic diversity.
• In-situ Conservation: Protected areas, national parks, etc. (e.g., Project Tiger).
• Ex-situ Conservation: Zoological parks, gene banks, etc.
• Technological Advancements: Environmental DNA (eDNA), genome sequencing, DNA barcoding.

Threats to Genetic Diversity of Species

• Anthropogenic Factors:
  • Unsustainable harvesting and land use change
  • Invasive species
  • Habitat degradation and fragmentation
  • Disease spread

Decline in Genetic Diversity

• Global Warming
  • Extreme climatic events
  • Abiotic natural phenomena
  • Environmental changes
  • Natural phenomena