Ancient and historical DNA in conservation policy.

Authors :: Jensen EL
Díez-Del-Molino D
Gilbert MTP
Bertola LD
Borges F
Cubric-Curik V
de Navascués M
Frandsen P
Heuertz M
Hvilsom C
Jiménez-Mena B
Miettinen A
Moest M
Pečnerová P
Barnes I
Vernesi C
Source :: Trends in ecology & evolution [Trends Ecol Evol] 2022 May; Vol. 37 (5), pp. 420-429. Date of Electronic Publication: 2022 Jan 24.
Publication Year :: 2022
Abstract: Although genetic diversity has been recognized as a key component of biodiversity since the first Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in 1993, it has rarely been included in conservation policies and regulations. Even less appreciated is the role that ancient and historical DNA (aDNA and hDNA, respectively) could play in unlocking the temporal dimension of genetic diversity, allowing key conservation issues to be resolved, including setting baselines for intraspecies genetic diversity, estimating changes in effective population size (N <subscript>e)</subscript> , and identifying the genealogical continuity of populations. Here, we discuss how genetic information from ancient and historical specimens can play a central role in preserving biodiversity and highlight specific conservation policies that could incorporate such data to help countries meet their CBD obligations.<br />Competing Interests: Declaration of interests No interests are declared.<br /> (Copyright © 2021 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)