Introduction to the special issue: Leveraging genetics in spatial conservation prioritization
Integrating genetic diversity into conservation planning is essential yet still emerging. This special issue showcases six studies that operationalize intraspecific genetic data in spatial prioritization across terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecosystems. Using mitochondrial DNA, microsatellites and SNPs, the papers illustrate how molecular markers can support diverse conservation goals and how genetic information can be spatialized to identify priority areas. Collectively, they advance methods for designing comprehensive and connected protected areas that capture evolutionary processes and improve restoration outcomes. The issue marks a key step toward embedding genetic considerations into routine conservation decision‑making.
Subject Tags
- Conservation Technology
- Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
Abstract
This special issue sought to stimulate research on the inclusion of intraspecific genetic data and processes into spatial conservation prioritization, which identifies priority areas to implement conservation or restoration actions. The six papers published in this special issue cover terrestrial, freshwater and marine systems and make use of different molecular markers (mitochondrial DNA, microsatellites and single-nucleotide polymorphisms). They offer good examples of the different conservation objectives that can be pursued by using genetic data; of the use of different molecular markers; and of the techniques needed to spatialize molecular data. They highlight important steps toward operationalizing molecular information to meet conservation goals of having comprehensive, adequate, representative, efficient and connected protected areas.
Citation
Andrello, M., Nielsen, E. S., & D'Aloia, C. C. (2025). Introduction to the special issue: Leveraging genetics in spatial conservation prioritization. Biological Conservation, 302, 110927. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2024.110927
TNC Authors
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Erica S. Nielsen
Point Conception Institute Fellow, California
The Nature Conservancy
Email: erica.nielsen@tnc.org