Swedish researchers advocate for global genetic diversity monitoring at COP16 biodiversity summit in Colombia

Swedish researchers have been at the forefront of developing techniques to monitor genetic diversity for decades. Scientists at Stockholm University are advocating for enhanced global surveillance of endangered species.

“Genetic diversity is fundamental for biodiversity and is crucial for species’ survival amid environmental changes and diseases. It’s essential for adaptation,” says Linda Laikre, a professor of population genetics at Stockholm University.

Currently, the team is conducting an extensive study on Swedish moose, utilizing DNA samples dating back to the 1800s, collected from museums. The situation is alarming, particularly in southern Sweden, where the moose population is low and shows signs of inbreeding as early as the 1980s. “We are examining this closely to understand the causes. These methods allow us to detect concerning signs much earlier than before, giving us more time and better insights,” Laikre adds.

Since not all countries can afford DNA-based monitoring of biodiversity, an international research team, including Swedish researchers, has recently demonstrated new, simpler techniques. These alternatives adapt existing studies on species populations to provide broader insights, enabling large-scale mapping both nationally and globally—now enhanced with AI.

Efforts to automate the monitoring of available observational studies could lead to faster, cheaper, and more effective methods accessible to all nations.

While monitoring has highlighted serious situations for some studied species—120 species were examined in Sweden, with fewer than half of the amphibian populations deemed viable—there is some optimism. “The sizes of these populations have remained stable over time, which is encouraging,” Laikre states.

The ongoing COP16 biodiversity summit in Colombia follows a 2022 agreement among nations to systematically monitor endangered species and ensure adequate genetic variation for long-term adaptability.