Practical application of indicators for genetic diversity in CBD post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework implementation

Abstract

Genetic diversity is a key aspect of biological variation for the adaptability and survival of populations of species, which must be monitored to assure maintenance. We used data from the Swedish Red-List 2020 and a recent report to apply three indicators for genetic diversity proposed for the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). We made more detailed indicator assessments for mammals and herptiles. For indicator 1, the proportion of populations with effective population size Ne>500, 33% of 22557 investigated species had a population estimate. For herptiles and mammals, 70% and 49%, respectively likely had Ne>500. For indicator 2, the proportion of populations or range remaining within species, 20% of all species evaluated for the Red-List have data. Meanwhile, 32% of the herptile and 84% of the mammal populations are maintaining their populations/range. For indicator 3, the number of species/populations in which genetic diversity is monitored using DNA-based methods, there are studies on 3% of species, and 0.3% are monitored. In contrast 68% of mammals and 29% of herptiles are studied using DNA, and 8% of mammals and 24% of herptiles are genetically monitored. We conclude that the Red List have data for evaluating the genetic indicators, but the data quality can be improved. There is a synergy in estimating the genetic indicators in parallel with the Red-Listing process. We propose that indicator values could be included in national Red-Listing as a new category - genetically threatened, based on the genetic indicators.

Monitoring genetic diversity with new indicators applied to an alpine freshwater top predator

“…Several countries are starting to apply these indicators (Thurfjell et al, 2022; Drs. Jessica da Silva, Alicia Mastretta-Yanes personal communication).…”

Bringing together approaches to reporting on within species genetic diversity

“…SEPA is also using Swedish Red List data to apply the indicators proposed by Hoban et al, 2020, which use proxies for genetic diversity (Thurfjell et al, 2022).…”

“…Furthermore, the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) has recently prioritised species for monitoring genetic diversity, and initiated monitoring using different DNA methods depending on target species and techniques available (Posledovich et al, 2021). SEPA is also using Swedish Red List data to apply the indicators proposed by Hoban et al, 2020, which use proxies for genetic diversity (Thurfjell et al, 2022).…”

Monitoring status and trends in genetic diversity for the Convention on Biological Diversity: an ongoing assessment of genetic indicators in nine countries

“…While the indicators were being discussed by the CBD (CBD/WG2020/3/5, CBD/ID/OM/2022/1/2), a trial was initiated by the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency. Examining Swedish national Red List assessments, this trial (1) assessed data quality/ availability for 22,000 species, and (2) calculated indicator values for 79 species 37 . Approximately 33% of species had census estimates and 20% of species had historic and modern population information-data which are the basis for indicators 1 and 2.…”

“…Other advantageous cyber infrastructure would be connections to resources like species distribution models or Map of Life 28,49 , which could help with defining populations, calculating Ne based on area and density, loss of distinct populations etc. Finally, as noted by others 37,50,51 it would be advantageous for all Red List assessment workshops to include gathering of raw data and information needed for calculation of the indicators, including population boundaries, during the workshop.Red List assessors scour literature and consult experts for demographic and geographic information, but currently this is not recorded in any systematic way in the Red List database.…”