Monitoring genetic diversity
To support Scotland’s response to global biodiversity targets such as the 2020 Aichi Biodiversity Targets and the 2030 Global Biodiversity Framework, we synthesise information on the genetic diversity of multiple species and translate this into assessments of their genetic health via a Genetic Scorecard.
This work was first undertaken to enable genetic diversity reporting for wild species in response to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Aichi Target 13.
We are now updating and enhancing this methodology and undertaking a new round of reporting to support the implementation of the CBD Global Biodiversity Target 4 (“to maintain and restore the genetic diversity within and between populations of native, wild and domesticated species...”).
The original methodology for the Genetic Scorecard can be found online here and downloaded as a pdf here.
The supplementary report which shows the Genetic Scorecard in action via its application to 27 species in Scotland can be found online here and downloaded as a pdf here.
For more information contact Prof Pete Hollingsworth.
This work is supported by SEFARI, and is jointly led by the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, the University of Edinburgh, and NatureScot. The original methodology was developed in collaboration with researchers from 17 other organisations including the Moredun Research Institute, James Hutton Institute, University of Sheffield, Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Scotland’s Rural College, Biomathematics and Statistics Scotland, Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Bumblebee Conservation Trust, Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland, University of Salford, University of the Highlands and Islands, University of Glasgow, and University of Aberdeen.