Exploring the potential for 'gene conservation units' to conserve genetic diversity in wild populations.

Published online
03 Jul 2021
Content type
Journal article
Journal title
Ecological Solutions and Evidence
DOI
10.1002/2688-8319.12061

Author(s)
Minter, M. & O'Brien, D. & Cottrell, J. & Ennos, R. & Hill, J. K. & Hall, J.
Contact email(s)
mm1874@york.ac.uk

Publication language
English
Location
UK

Abstract

Genetic diversity is important for species persistence and Gene Conservation Units (GCUs) have been implemented for forest trees to protect genetic diversity and evolutionary processes in situ. The Convention on BiologicalDiversity stipulates the protection of genetic diversity as an Aichi target, and sowe explore the potential for GCUs to be implemented more widely. Our global systematic review showed that GCUs are currently implemented primarily for plant species of economic importance (109/158 species studied), but a questionnaire sent to landmanagers and conservationists (60U.K. participants) revealed strong support for fully integrating genetic information into conservation management (90% agree), and for creating GCUs for other plant and animal taxa. Using four case studies of U.K. species of conservation importance which vary in genetic threat and population dynamics (two insect species, a fungus and a plant), we highlight that GCU implementation criteria need to be flexible to account for variation in effective breeding population size and geographic extent of target species. The wider uptake of GCUs would ensure that threatened genetic diversity is protected and support evolutionary processes that aid adaptation to changing environments.

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