Conserving species' evolutionary potential and history: Opportunities under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework

Article Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

The EDGE2 protocol: Advancing the prioritisation of Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered species for practical conservation action

Rikki Gumbs et al.

Summary: The conservation of evolutionary history through phylogenetic diversity (PD) and EDGE metric has been widely studied and recognized. However, the adoption of recent research advances has been limited due to the lack of consensus within the conservation community. In this paper, an improved EDGE2 protocol is presented, incorporating methods for handling uncertainty and accounting for the extinction risk of closely related species. The application of EDGE2 to the world's mammals demonstrates its effectiveness in guiding practical priority-setting for biodiversity conservation.

PLOS BIOLOGY (2023)

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Article Multidisciplinary Sciences

Genetic diversity loss in the Anthropocene

Moises Exposito-Alonso et al.

Summary: Anthropogenic habitat loss and climate change are causing reduction in species' geographic ranges, increasing extinction risk, and loss of genetic diversity. Researchers have developed a mathematical framework that links biodiversity theory and population genetics to understand the loss of naturally occurring DNA mutations due to habitat loss. By analyzing genomic variation in 10,095 individuals from 20 plant and animal species, they found that genome-wide diversity follows a mutations-area relationship power law, which can predict genetic diversity loss from local population extinctions.

SCIENCE (2022)

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Article Ecology

Conserving intraspecific variation for nature's contributions to people

Simone Des Roches et al.

Summary: The rapid loss of intraspecific variation poses a hidden biodiversity crisis, yet it is often overlooked in biodiversity assessments. Intraspecific variation plays a crucial role in supporting ecosystem functions and nature's contributions to people. Collaborative research and new genomic tools are needed to further explore and conserve the value of intraspecific variation.

NATURE ECOLOGY & EVOLUTION (2021)

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Article Biology

Global Commitments to Conserving and Monitoring Genetic Diversity Are Now Necessary and Feasible

Sean Hoban et al.

Summary: Global conservation policies have historically overlooked the importance of protecting and monitoring genetic diversity, which is crucial for species adaptation, ecosystem resilience, and societal innovation. Recent advancements in knowledge, technology, and capacity now offer the possibility for integrating genetic diversity more effectively into policy instruments and conservation efforts, ultimately enhancing the effectiveness of biodiversity conservation.

BIOSCIENCE (2021)

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Article Multidisciplinary Sciences

Revisiting species and areas of interest for conserving global mammalian phylogenetic diversity

Marine Robuchon et al.

Summary: This study identifies priority species/areas for conserving global mammalian phylogenetic diversity based on targeting net positive outcomes in future projected biodiversity. The research highlights the difference between priority species/areas and loss-significant species/areas, while also emphasizing the lack of protection for these newly-identified species/areas.

NATURE COMMUNICATIONS (2021)

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Article Biodiversity Conservation