Study of more than 600 animal and plant species finds genetic diversity has declined globally
Guardian6 days
The Facts
A comprehensive analysis of 628 species across 141 countries has revealed that two-thirds of animal and plant populations experienced declining genetic diversity between 1985 and 2019, raising concerns about species' ability to adapt to environmental changes.
The research, published in Nature on Wednesday, examined 882 studies measuring genetic diversity changes in animals, plants, fungi, and chromists. The majority of species studied were animals (84.7%), followed by plants (12.7%) and fungi (1.9%).
Scientists found that ecological disturbances affected 65% of the studied populations — which included 70 birds, 134 mammals, 131 bony fish, and 72 flowering plants — with primary factors being habitat loss, climate change, invasive species, and new diseases.
The Spin
Narrative A
Despite the grim findings, the study also showcased instances where tailored conservation strategies made a real difference in protecting genetic diversity. Success stories like the arctic fox in Scandinavia and golden bandicoots in Western Australia prove that targeted interventions can maintain and even increase genetic diversity — offering hope for species preservation.
Narrative B
This landmark study highlights the urgent need for conservation efforts to address the alarming decline in genetic diversity and underscores the broader effects of ecological disruptions on the planet's biodiversity. Even species with seemingly healthy populations are experiencing genetic decline, which threatens their long-term survival and ability to adapt to environmental changes.
