The importance of non-academic coauthors in bridging the conservation genetics gap

DNA sequence data from genetic (traditional) and genomic (high-throughput) instruments have been highlighted as important information for biodiversity conservation. Despite a high number of publications, a gap has emerged between fundamental research and real-world application, meaning genetic studies often do not have a substantive link to policy or conservation science. We conducted a meta-analysis on conservation studies using genetic and genomic datasets and found the majority of publications were on species that were data deficient or of low conservation priority (66%); only 38% of studies specifically identified how the data could inform conservation or management through clearly stated recommendations for action or policy. Importantly, our mixed-model found a 2.5-fold increase in the odds of a publication making a specific recommendation when non-academic affiliated authors were included. This suggests the conservation genetics gap has arisen, in part, by academic authors failing to make explicit links to policy and conservation outcomes. Conservation geneticists should refrain from hyperbole and collaborate with agency and non-government scientists to accelerate development and implementation, and ultmately help bridge the conservation genetics gap.