IUCN Guidelines for Monitoring Genetic Diversity
Selecting species and populations for monitoring of genetic diversity
Genetic diversity provides the foundation of biodiversity. It is necessary for long-term survival, adaptation, and resilience not only for individuals, but also for populations, species, and entire ecosystems. Monitoring genetic diversity across different time points is a first step to gain insight into the extent to which populations or species might be at risk. It can also guide and evaluate conservation actions. However, putting genetic diversity monitoring into practice in the form of an effective, implemented project can be challenging.
“Monitoring and understanding changes in biodiversity is one of the big challenges for conservation”
Our new IUCN guideline document provides guidance to conservation managers through the decision and evaluation processes that take place when designing a genetic diversity monitoring programme and identifying the most appropriate set of species or populations to monitor.
Monitoring changes in genetic diversity will be increasingly important in the future and this document will provide an important resource for the post-2020 Biodiversity Framework by the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).