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<p>A new study underscores the importance of protected lands in preserving biodiversity, especially for vertebrates like amphibians, reptiles, mammals, and birds. </p>



<p>The research, led by the <a href="https://serc.si.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Smithsonian Environmental Research Center</a> (SERC) and <a href="https://www.conservation.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Conservation International</a>, sheds light on the critical role of effective governance and supports the United Nations’ "30 by 30" initiative. </p>



<p>The findings also emphasize the need for a multifaceted approach to conservation that goes beyond protected areas alone.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conservation-and-protected-lands">Conservation and protected lands</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-negatively-impact-wildlife-even-in-protected-areas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Human activities</a> have dramatically escalated the natural extinction rate of vertebrates, increasing it by 22 times. This rapid loss of biodiversity destabilizes food webs and endangers essential ecological services such as crop pollination, healthy diets, and disease control. </p>



<p>"Humans are inextricably dependent on biodiversity for survival,” says Justin Nowakowski, SERC conservation biologist and lead author of the study. “It provides food, fuel, fiber and other ecosystem services that we depend on for life.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-study-was-conducted">How the study was conducted</h2>



<p>The study involved meticulous data collection for over 1,000 species from every continent, excluding Antarctica, leveraging data from the Living Planet and BioTIME databases. </p>



<p>Nowakowski’s team studied 2,239 vertebrate populations, comparing the states of species within and outside <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/national-parks-enrich-mammal-diversity-beyond-the-boundaries-of-protected-areas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">protected areas</a>. The research revealed that vertebrates inside protected areas are declining at a rate of 0.4% per year, nearly five times more slowly than those in unprotected areas (1.8% per year).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-significance-of-protected-lands">The significance of protected lands</h2>



<p>Protected areas offer a refuge where biodiversity is closer to stability. “They buy us much-needed time to figure out how to reverse the biodiversity crisis,” stated Luke Frishkoff, coauthor and assistant professor of biology at the University of Texas at Arlington. </p>



<p>Frishkoff further noted that populations outside <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/protected-areas-provide-a-thermal-buffer-against-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">protected areas</a> could halve in 40 years, while those inside would take 170 years to face a similar fate.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-on-different-species">Impact on different species</h2>



<p>The study found that certain vertebrate classes, notably amphibians and birds, benefitted more within protected lands. This is likely due to the severe threats they face outside, including habitat loss, climate change, and diseases like the chytrid fungus affecting amphibians. </p>



<p>“Amphibians typically have fairly small home ranges, and they’re also really sensitive to small changes in the environment,” said Jessica Deichmann, coauthor and ecologist with the Liz Claiborne &amp; Art Ortenberg Foundation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-and-external-factors">Challenges and external factors</h2>



<p>However, the conversion of nearby land for agriculture and development along with climate change continue to undermine the efficacy of protected areas. The research team made sure to highlight the urgent need for interconnected protected zones and adaptive strategies that align with the ecological fluidity, as species are constantly moving.</p>



<p>The findings also reaffirm the UN’s commitment made last December, where nearly 200 nations pledged to protect 30% of Earth’s land and water by 2030. This ambitious roadmap is called the <a href="https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/blog/2021/07/a-new-global-framework-for-managing-nature-through-2030-1st-detailed-draft-agreement-debuts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">"30 by 30" initiative</a>. </p>



<p>While this commitment has fueled a surge in establishing protected lands, the study cautions against mere compliance through ‘paper parks’ and emphasizes actual biodiversity conservation within these regions.</p>



<p>In addition, effective governance emerged as a crucial factor in successful conservation efforts. Nations with transparent and corruption-free governments are often more efficient in enforcing environmental laws, managing conservation funds and involving local communities in conservation laws.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beyond-protected-lands">Beyond protected lands</h2>



<p>Conservation experts are advocating for diverse strategies to conserve biodiversity. Examples include “payment for ecosystem services” programs, such as the one in Costa Rica, which incentivizes landowners to preserve forests. These innovative models, along with biological corridors and Indigenous-led protected areas, offer flexible and effective alternatives to traditional conservation approaches.</p>



<p>In summary, the study by SERC and Conservation International illustrates the pivotal role of protected areas in biodiversity conservation, but also emphasizes the necessity for comprehensive strategies that encompass effective governance, community involvement, and innovative conservation models. </p>



<p>By adopting such holistic approaches, humanity can hope to curb the ongoing biodiversity crisis and ensure the survival and thriving of myriad species on Earth.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-023-06562-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">journal Nature</a>.</p>



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Loss of wildlife happens five times slower in protected lands

A new study underscores the importance of protected lands in...

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Atlantic walrus are at high risk of extinction

The Atlantic walrus faces unprecedented threats due to the relentless...

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<p>Insect populations exhibit extreme sensitivity to variations in temperature and precipitation, spotlighting the plight of insects in the face of adverse weather conditions and climate change. </p>



<p>A new study led by the <a href="https://www.uni-wuerzburg.de/en/university/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Würzburg</a> demonstrates that abnormal weather events, occurring consecutively or in combination over several years, can significantly deplete insect populations. </p>



<p>Unusually dry and warm winters diminish insect survival probabilities, wet and cold springs impair hatching success, and cool, wet summers obstruct the reproductive and foraging activities of bumblebees and other flying insects. </p>



<p>However, insect populations that reside in sufficiently large and high-quality habitats, marked by the presence of native plants and high structural richness, are more likely to withstand these adverse conditions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rethinking-insect-conservation-strategies">Rethinking insect conservation strategies</h2>



<p>In light of the findings, the authors strongly advocate for the establishment of more high-quality habitats to preserve the myriad insect species. </p>



<p>The significant decline in insect populations mandates urgent efforts to protect high-quality habitats across diverse landscapes. This includes agricultural, traffic, and settlement areas. </p>



<p>The repercussions of climate change necessitate a transformation in scientific thinking and conservation practice, emphasizing the creation of resilient ecosystems.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-insects-and-the-weather">Studying insects and the weather</h2>



<p>The genesis of this important study traces back to the spring of 2022, when Professor Jörg Müller of Würzburg noticed an unusually high number of insects in forests and meadows. This observation was particularly intriguing given the prevalent narrative of the declining insect populations globally.</p>



<p>"The data from the study show that there was a dramatic collapse in 2005 and no recovery in the years that followed," says Jörg Müller, who is Professor of Animal Ecology at the Biocentre of Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg (JMU). So could the large amount of insects he "felt" in 2022 be real?</p>



<p>This sparked a rigorous analysis led by an interdisciplinary team, involving re-examination of the data from a study by Dutch researcher Caspar A. Hallmann in 2017. </p>



<p>Hallmann's research had illustrated a staggering 75% decline in insect biomass in German nature reserves from 1989 to 2016. The interdisciplinary team incorporated freshly procured weather data and evaluated the impacts of weather anomalies on various life stages of insects.</p>



<p>The rigorous analysis confirmed that the climate fluctuations post-2005 were predominantly detrimental to insects. However, the team discovered that the favorable weather conditions in 2022 were conducive to a surge in insect biomass, thereby corroborating Professor Müller's initial observations.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-call-to-action">A call to action</h2>



<p>Professor Annette Menzel of the <a href="https://www.tum.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Technical University of Munich</a> emphasizes the urgent need to acknowledge that weather fluctuations caused by climate change are the principal driver behind declining insect populations worldwide. The pressing circumstances necessitate immediate and enhanced efforts to safeguard insects, emphasizing high-quality habitats and ecological balance.</p>



<p>"We need to be much more aware that climate change is already a major driver of the decline of insect populations. This needs to be thought about much more in science and conservation practice," says Annette Menzel, professor of ecoclimatology of the Technical University of Munich.</p>



<p>Professor Müller also proposes the initiation of a comprehensive insect biomass monitoring system aimed at regularly tracking the fluctuations in insect populations. Such a system would contribute to nuanced analyses and informed conservation strategies.</p>



<p>The novel insights and strategies emerging from this research underscore the critical intersection between climate resilience and biodiversity conservation. The scientists involved in this study urge swift, collective action to counteract the dwindling insect populations and preserve the delicate ecological balance integral to our planet's well-being. </p>



<p>The collaboration between renowned universities and national parks has not only brought to light the intricate dynamics governing insect populations, but has also paved the way for innovative, sustainable solutions to mitigate the impacts of climate change on biodiversity.</p>



<p>This report, published in the<a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41586-023-06402-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> journal Nature</a>, was a collaboration among the University of Würzburg, Bavarian Forest National Park, TU Dresden, Berchtesgaden National Park, TU Munich, and the University of Zurich.</p>



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Rise and fall of insect populations directly linked to the weather

Insect populations exhibit extreme sensitivity to variations in temperature and...

<p>A new study suggests that male zebra finches prioritize winning a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/female-zebra-finches-choose-mates-based-on-their-dialects/">mate</a> above all other tasks, and that these intentions are reflected in dopamine-releasing brain cells.</p>



<p>The researchers found that the presence of a potential mate causes the males to drop what they are doing immediately shift their focus.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shifting-priorities">Shifting priorities</h2>



<p>A male zebra finch is often engrossed in a task like finding water or refining the song taught to him by his father. The study shows that these activities quickly take a backseat the moment he perceives the proximity of a female.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study was co-authored by Dr. Vikram Gadagkar, a lead investigator at Columbia’s <a href="https://zuckermaninstitute.columbia.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Zuckerman Institute</a>, and graduate student Andrea Roeser of Cornell University..</p>



<p>“The males stop worrying about anything else and, for the first time, we have found signs of that re-prioritization in the behavior of specific brain cells,” said Dr. Gadagkar.</p>



<p>“Our findings could help explain what our brains are doing when they shift gears as different opportunities arise and as our priorities change."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dopamine-signals-nbsp">Dopamine signals&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Historically, Dr. Gadagkar and his team have been tracking male zebra finches as they practiced their songs to serenade females.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The researchers found that when a bird made a mistake while rehearsing, there was a notable decline in the dopamine - a chemical signal generated by particular brain cells.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Dopamine seems to function as an internal error signal, helping the bird to realize that it has made a blunder and did not quite replicate the song it had memorized,” said Dr. Gadagkar.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Previously, the researchers had found that when birds get the song right, dopamine production is boosted and acts as an internal reward signal for their good performance.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For the current study, the researchers measured variations in dopamine in situations where a bird must choose between several objectives such as practicing its song, finding water, or pursuing a mate.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-one-track-mind">One-track mind</h2>



<p>The experts discovered that the dopamine error signals, which previously played a role in tasks like finding water or practicing songs, were notably muted when courtship was in the picture.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In addition, the dopamine reward signal was amplified when the bird's song succeeded in fetching return calls from a female.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-self-evaluation-system-nbsp">Self-evaluation system&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“We think this is the first demonstration of a socially driven shift of dopaminergic error signals,” said Dr. Gadagkar.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“The big idea here is that your self-evaluation system, which you're using to learn when you're practicing, might be dialed down or switched off when you're performing and your dopamine system instead becomes primed to receiving social feedback.”&nbsp;&nbsp;<br></p>



<p>“A big question for us now is whether these systems may be widely at play when it comes to learning many kinds of behaviors, including speaking, singing, playing an instrument and all kinds of behaviors where learning depends on internal self evaluations."</p>



<p>“Now I want to know if this same circuitry might be much more general-purpose than anyone previously had thought.”&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-zebra-finch-courtship-nbsp">More about zebra finch courtship&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Zebra finches, native to the Central Australian grasslands, exhibit unique and fascinating courtship behaviors which are integral for mate selection and bonding.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-male-initiation">Male initiation</h3>



<p>Male zebra finches typically initiate the courtship process. During this phase, the males showcase their vitality and genetic fitness to attract potential female partners. They employ a combination of visual and auditory displays, including brightly colored feathers, dynamic dances, and melodic songs.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-courtship-song">Courtship song</h3>



<p>One of the most distinctive elements in their courtship is the male's song. Each male zebra finch develops a unique song during their juvenile stage, primarily learned from their fathers or other adult males within the vicinity.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The courtship song is more complex and structured compared to their regular communication chirps. Males sing to attract females, with each song being distinctive, allowing the females to identify and choose their preferred mates.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dance-display">Dance display</h3>



<p>Apart from singing, male zebra finches also engage in a dance display. They puff up their chests, flutter their wings, and hop around to garner attention from the females.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This dance, paired with their vibrant songs, creates a comprehensive display designed to entice and woo potential mates.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-female-selection">Female selection</h3>



<p>Female zebra finches play a critical role in mate selection. They evaluate the males based on their songs and displays, choosing a partner whose traits are most appealing or suitable for producing offspring.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Females may consider the complexity, volume, and pitch of the male's song, as well as their overall health and vigor, before making a selection.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bond-formation">Bond formation</h3>



<p>Once a female selects a mate, the pair forms a strong bond, often mating for life. This bond is reinforced through mutual grooming, feeding, and coordinated activities. The strong partnership ensures collaborative efforts in building nests, incubating eggs, and raising their offspring.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nesting-behavior">Nesting behavior</h3>



<p>After the courtship and bonding, the pair engage in nesting behaviors. Male zebra finches actively participate in nest-building, collecting materials like twigs and feathers to construct a safe and comfortable environment for their eggs and future chicks.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41586-023-06580-w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Love on the brain: Male zebra finches drop everything to pursue a mate

A new study suggests that male zebra finches prioritize winning...

<p>In a surprising new study, scientists have identified water fleas as a potential solution to the global water crisis.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The research suggests that these tiny creatures might be the key to cleaning persistent chemical pollutants from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/un-report-wastewater-is-a-hidden-solution-to-the-climate-crisis/">wastewater</a>, making it safer for industrial, agricultural, and domestic use.</p>



<p>“This novel nature-inspired technology provides a potentially revolutionary process for sustainably removing persistent chemical pollutants from wastewater," said study lead author Muhammad Abdullahi of the <a href="https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/index.aspx">University of Birmingham</a>. "By preventing these chemicals from being discharged, we can protect our environment and biodiversity.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-water-crisis">Global water crisis</h2>



<p>The world is currently facing a severe water crisis, which can be attributed to rapid urbanization, booming populations, unsound food production practices, and climate change.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Due to these conditions, sustainable water management is urgently needed for the well-being of society, economy, and environment.</p>



<p>However, one of the significant challenges in wastewater management is the inability to effectively remove persistent chemical pollutants from domestic and industrial processes.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wastewater-treatment-nbsp">Wastewater treatment&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Current wastewater treatment methods often fall short, allowing these pollutants to seep into rivers, reservoirs, irrigation systems, and aquifers.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This results in the harmful entry of chemicals into the human food chain and water supply, endangering the health of approximately 92 million people annually.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-potential-of-daphnia">The potential of Daphnia</h2>



<p>Daphnia, commonly known as water fleas, may provide us with a remarkable new clean water solution.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In the Birmingham study, the researchers have found a way to use water fleas to remove pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and industrial chemicals from wastewater without producing the harmful byproducts associated with present-day technologies.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Our profound understanding of water flea biology enabled us to pioneer a nature-inspired tertiary wastewater treatment technology. This refines municipal wastewater effluent and safeguards the ecological health of our rivers," said study senior author Professor Luisa Orsini.</p>



<p>“The water flea's remarkable ability to remain dormant for centuries allows scientists to revive dormant populations that endured varying historical pollution pressures. Leveraging this trait, researchers sourced strains with diverse tolerances to chemical pollutants, incorporating them into the technology.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-resurrecting-water-fleas">Resurrecting water fleas</h2>



<p>Using specialized technology, the team has successfully integrated populations of water fleas into wastewater treatment plants.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The uniqueness lies in the strain selection – by "resurrecting" water fleas from past environments, the experts have identified strains that have been historically resilient to different pollution pressures.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-implications-nbsp">Study implications&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The study reveals the efficiency of four distinct water flea strains in removing a variety of pollutants, such as diclofenac, atrazine, arsenic, and PFOS (industrial chemicals).</p>



<p>“Our technology could improve the quality of wastewater effluent - meeting current and upcoming regulatory requirements to produce reusable water suitable for irrigation, industrial applications, and household use," said study co-author Dr. Mohamed Abdallah.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"By preventing persistent chemicals from entering waterways, we can also prevent environmental pollution.”</p>



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Water fleas may be the solution to our global water crisis

In a surprising new study, scientists have identified water fleas...

<p>Decreasing biodiversity, particularly in tropical rainforests, has a direct impact on the prevalence of viruses, according to a study led by the <a href="https://www.izw-berlin.de/en/home.html">Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research</a>.</p>



<p>Published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.66550"><em>eLife</em></a>, the research demonstrates that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/amazon-animals-will-suffer-as-the-rainforest-turns-into-savanna/">rainforest</a> destruction leads to reduced diversity in mosquito species. This paves the way for more resilient mosquito species - and the viruses they carry - to become dominant.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-focus-of-the-study">Focus of the study</h2>



<p>The researchers set out to investigate how environmental changes, biodiversity loss, and the spread of pathogens may be connected.</p>



<p>The study was led by Professor Sandra Junglen, leader of the Ecology and Evolution of Arboviruses research group at <a href="https://virologie-ccm.charite.de/en/">Charité's Institute of Virology</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-research-was-conducted-nbsp">How the research was conducted&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The research team executed their study in and around Taï National Park in Côte d’Ivoire, encompassing a diverse array of land uses, from untouched rainforests to human settlements.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We identified the species of mosquitoes we had caught and tested them for viral infections,” explained study first author Kyra Hermanns.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Then we looked at how the composition of mosquito species differs across the different land use types, where certain viruses are present, and how prevalent they are.”</p>



<p>In a healthy ecosystem such as a rainforest, many different viruses are present due to the wide variety of animal species - which act as hosts.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-the-researchers-learned-nbsp">What the researchers learned&nbsp;</h2>



<p>According to Junglen, the team identified 49 virus species, with the majority found in undisturbed habitats. However, certain mosquito species adapted efficiently to cleared areas, bringing along their respective viruses.</p>



<p>"Most of the 49 different virus species were relatively rare in the areas studied. However, nine of them were commonly found in multiple habitats, with the prevalence of five virus species increasing in habitats that had been disturbed and reaching the highest figures in human settlements," said Junglen.</p>



<p>“This means that the clearing of tropical rainforests causes a decrease in the diversity of mosquito species, which changes the composition of host types. Some resilient mosquito species have multiplied very successfully in the cleared areas, bringing their viruses with them," explained the researchers.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-prevalence-of-viruses-nbsp">Prevalence of viruses&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The composition of a given community of species has a direct effect on the prevalence of viruses: “If one host species is very abundant, it is easier for viruses to spread,” said Junglen.</p>



<p>“All of the viruses we found to be more common were demonstrated to be present in a certain mosquito species."&nbsp;</p>



<p>"The viruses belong to different families and have different properties. That means we were able to show for the first time that the spread of the viruses is attributable not to a close genetic relationship, but to the characteristics of their hosts – especially those mosquito species that adapt well to changing environmental conditions in habitats that have been disturbed.”&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-implications-nbsp">Study implications&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Although the discovered viruses currently pose no threat to humans, the study sheds light on the dynamics of infectious diseases.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Our study makes clear just how important biodiversity is, and that decreasing biodiversity makes it easier for certain viruses to thrive because it causes their hosts to become more abundant,” said Junglen.</p>



<p>“Previously, these kinds of processes were studied almost exclusively using individual pathogens and individual hosts. Now we have a more complete picture that we can use for further research."</p>



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Biodiversity loss promotes the spread of viruses

Decreasing biodiversity, particularly in tropical rainforests, has a direct impact...

Reindeer,Roaming,On,Svalbard,Meadow

<p>The Svalbard reindeer, among all reindeer subspecies, stands out for its high level of inbreeding and notably low genetic diversity.</p>



<p>Around 7,000 to 8,000 years ago, the first <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/reindeer-slowing-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reindeers</a> made their journey to Svalbard, likely traversing from Russia via Novaya Zemlya and the islands of Franz Josef Land. Starting perhaps with just a handful, their arrival on the Arctic archipelago might seem a precarious foundation based on evolutionary theory. </p>



<p>High inbreeding rates can lead to an accumulation of damaging genetic mutations which can cause disease and decrease survival rates.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-adapting-rapidly-to-extreme-environments">Adapting rapidly to extreme environments</h2>



<p>Nicolas Dussex, a postdoctoral researcher from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology's <a href="https://www.ntnu.edu/inh/department-of-natural-history" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(NTNU) Department of Natural History</a>, studied this phenomenon more closely. Dussex noted that despite these initial challenges, the Svalbard reindeer has not only survived but thrived. Their population now exceeds 20,000 animals. </p>



<p>Dussex highlights their remarkable evolution to adapt to the extreme Arctic conditions. Compared to other northern reindeer and caribou subspecies, they are smaller, have shorter legs, can digest mosses in the absence of lichens, and can adjust their circadian rhythm to suit the drastic seasonal changes of Svalbard.</p>



<p>A collaborative research initiative involving NTNU and other institutions has delved deeper into the genetic makeup of the Svalbard reindeer. By examining genetic samples from 91 reindeer, the study aimed to uncover differences between them and their mainland relatives. </p>



<p>Professor Michael D. Martin, from NTNU’s Department of Natural History, remarked on the valuable insights that can be gleaned from studying such isolated populations, especially considering the Svalbard reindeer's history of near extinction in the early 1900s due to excessive hunting.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-staving-off-extinction-by-inbreeding">Staving off extinction by inbreeding</h2>



<p>This near brush with extinction, resulting in only a few survivors, is termed as a 'bottleneck' in population biology. Such a scenario typically spells doom for a species due to increased inbreeding. </p>



<p>However, this inbreeding might have a silver lining. Known as 'purging', this process can potentially help eliminate harmful mutations. As harmful mutations manifest more rapidly in inbred populations, affected offspring tend to reproduce less, ensuring these damaging genes are less likely to be passed on. Dussex pointed out the paradox that, in the long run, inbreeding can have positive effects.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-parallels-found-in-other-animal-species">Parallels found in other animal species</h2>



<p>The research also drew parallels with New Zealand's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-insights-will-help-protect-the-kakapo-parrot/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kakapo parrots</a>, which, after a long period of isolation and inbreeding, showed signs of harmful genetic variants being eradicated from their population.</p>



<p>Brage Bremset Hansen, a senior researcher at NTNU and the <a href="https://www.nina.no/english/Home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Norwegian Institute for Nature Research</a>, emphasized the significance of these findings for population management and broader genetic studies. He cited the good genetic health of the Svalbard reindeer, despite the potential harmful mutations.</p>



<p>However, Dussex shared that there remain unanswered questions regarding the speed at which these mutations are counteracted, either over short spans of centuries or over millennia. This is a research area they're keen to expand upon, utilizing DNA samples from ancient bone remains and antlers.</p>



<p>Moreover, the team is also invested in understanding the beneficial mutations that have allowed the reindeer to thrive in Svalbard's unique environment. Researcher Mathilde Le Moullec has been instrumental in this, gathering most of the bone samples from across Svalbard.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-overcoming-speed-of-climate-change">Overcoming speed of climate change</h2>



<p>A looming threat to these reindeers, however, is the accelerating pace of climate change. As Svalbard faces some of the fastest climate change rates worldwide, there's uncertainty over the reindeer's adaptability to the altered conditions. The rapid transformations in snow cover and vegetation could pose significant challenges.</p>



<p>Hansen warned that the adaptability the reindeers showcased after initially colonizing the islands might not extend to the current fast-paced warming. Their diminished genetic variation could be a stumbling block.</p>



<p>This situation could reflect the struggles of many terrestrial animals limited in mobility, as they grapple with the swift and disruptive changes caused by global warming. Yet, Martin remains hopeful, suggesting that this research lays a foundation for a deeper understanding of species adaptation capabilities in ever-shifting environments.</p>



<p>The full study was published at <a href="https://www.cell.com/iscience/fulltext/S2589-0042(23)01888-6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">iScience</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-inbreeding">More about inbreeding</h2>



<p>Inbreeding, the mating of close relatives, is a phenomenon observed throughout the animal kingdom. It profoundly influences species' genetic diversity and evolutionary trajectory. </p>



<p>Inbreeding acts as a double-edged sword. It can both accentuate detrimental mutations and, paradoxically, can lead to the purging of these harmful alleles from the gene pool. This then enhances a species' adaptation and survival.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Biodiversity Crisis</h3>



<p>Inbreeding typically occurs when populations become isolated or decrease in size, leading to reduced genetic diversity. It increases homozygosity, whereby offspring inherit identical alleles from both parents. </p>



<p>This genetic similarity often brings recessive, harmful mutations to the forefront, causing a range of genetic disorders and decreasing overall fitness and survival rates. </p>



<p>Many species, including the cheetah and the giant panda, are witnessing the detrimental impacts of inbreeding. This is due to their shrinking, isolated populations, and habitat loss. Reduced genetic diversity makes these species more susceptible to diseases and decreases their ability to adapt to environmental changes.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Purging and beneficial mutations</h3>



<p>Conversely, inbreeding can also be a mechanism for genetic refinement. As harmful mutations become more pronounced, individuals carrying these mutations are less likely to reproduce, gradually eliminating these deleterious alleles from the population. </p>



<p>As mentioned previously, this process is known as 'purging' and can theoretically lead to more robust populations in the long run. Instances of inbreeding, such as seen in the Svalbard reindeer, illustrate how isolated populations can survive and even thrive despite high levels of inbreeding. They owe their survival to the elimination of harmful genetic variants over time.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Adaptive evolution</h3>



<p>Inbreeding may also expedite the fixation of beneficial mutations within a population, thereby fostering adaptive evolution. </p>



<p>When beneficial alleles arise, inbreeding can help spread these favorable traits quickly throughout the population. This allows the species to adapt more rapidly to their environment. </p>



<p>This is particularly significant in isolated or newly established populations, where rapid adaptation can be crucial for survival.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Inbreeding management</h3>



<p>Recognizing the complex impacts of inbreeding is vital for conservation efforts and biodiversity management. Scientists actively study inbreeding patterns and their consequences to devise strategies for maintaining genetic diversity within endangered populations. </p>



<p>In many cases, interventions like translocations are utilized to introduce new genetic material into inbred populations. This process enhances their genetic health and adaptive potential. </p>



<p>Zoos and wildlife conservation programs often employ careful breeding strategies to prevent inbreeding depression and maintain the genetic vigor of endangered species.</p>



<p>In summary, inbreeding plays a complex, dual role in the animal kingdom. While it often leads to a decline in genetic diversity and can bring harmful mutations to the forefront, it also provides a pathway for the elimination of these deleterious alleles and the amplification of beneficial ones, fostering adaptive evolution. </p>



<p>A nuanced understanding of inbreeding and its impacts is crucial for the effective conservation and management of biodiversity in a rapidly changing world.</p>



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Inbreeding can actually be beneficial for some species in the long run

The Svalbard reindeer, among all reindeer subspecies, stands out for...

Euprymna berryi

Taxonomic tree: