Global meta-analysis shows action is needed to halt genetic diversity loss.

ABSTRACT: Mitigating loss of genetic diversity is a major global biodiversity challenge^1-4. To meet recent international commitments to maintain genetic diversity within species^5,6, we need to understand relationships between threats, conservation management and genetic diversity change. Here we conduct a global analysis of genetic diversity change via meta-analysis of all available temporal measures of genetic diversity from more than three decades of research. We show that within-population genetic diversity is being lost over timescales likely to have been impacted by human activities, and that some conservation actions may mitigate this loss. Our dataset includes 628 species (animals, plants, fungi and chromists) across all terrestrial and most marine realms on Earth. Threa

SUBMITTER: Shaw RE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11839457 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature