Species are losing genetic diversity on a global scale for at least 30 years. This is revealed by a study spanning over three decades (from 1985 to 2019) and analyzing 628 species of animals, plants, and fungi.
“The genetic diversity of two-thirds of the studied populations is decreasing,” say the researchers behind the study published in the journal *Nature*.
The main cause of this and the positive points highlighted among the bad news.
## Species are losing genetic diversity and this is the main reason
This issue is directly related to human activity, such as habitat destruction or the introduction of invasive species.
This leads to the deterioration of population and species fragmentation, which can result in a decrease in genetic diversity. Something that can threaten their long-term fitness and survival.
In this sense, as the report points out, predicting changes in genetic diversity is crucial when designing ecological interventions to combat species loss.
However, there is limited data on the extent and patterns of [loss of this diversity](https://noticiasambientales.com/medio-ambiente/dramatico-en-los-ultimos-50-la-perdida-de-biodiversidad-llego-al-73/).
## Review of the studies
To make progress in this regard, led by Catherine Grueber from the University of Sydney (Australia), the team conducted a systematic review of 882 studies measuring changes in genetic diversity between 1985 and 2019.
The dataset included 628 species, comprising animals (84.7%), plants (12.7%), fungi (1.9%), and chromists (0.6%).
A loss of genetic diversity was observed in most terrestrial species (constituting 90.2% of the dataset), while losses in the marine realm were more variable.
The greatest losses of genetic diversity were observed in birds and mammals.
The authors found that two-thirds of the populations experienced at least one type of ecological disturbance. Less than half of the populations affected by threats were subject to conservation efforts, according to the journal.
## Possible solutions
Supplementation (adding new individuals to a species population) was the only intervention that showed an increase in genetic diversity over time.
These results highlight the need for specific interventions to halt the loss of genetic diversity associated with human activity and could be used to guide such efforts for maximum effect.
According to the authors, conservation efforts designed to improve environmental conditions, grow populations, and introduce new individuals for breeding “are maintaining, and in some cases increasing,” genetic diversity.
“It is undeniable that biodiversity is decreasing at an unprecedented rate worldwide, but there are glimpses of hope,” says the researcher.
“Conservationists’ actions are reversing these losses and helping to create genetically diverse populations that can better face future challenges,” she states.
Have you visited our YouTube channel yet? Subscribe now!
