Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Call for inclusion of genetic diversity in conservation strategies
Failure to monitor genetic diversity could prevent animals from adapting to a changing environment.
“We hope that our recommendations will be considered in future assessments worldwide - Dr Sílvia Pérez-Espona.

Scientists at the University of Edinburgh’s Roslin Institute are calling for genetic diversity to be included in national conservation strategies.

Researchers say that failure to estimate and monitor genetic diversity in wildlife could prevent animals and plants from adapting to a changing environment.

The call comes after a review of more than 100 National Reports to see how countries in the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) assess and protect genetic diversity. 

The review found that more than a fifth of the reports did not refer to genetic diversity in their national targets, and only five reported the use of genetic diversity indicators. Scientists say that the main indicators of genetic diversity reported by countries, such as whether species are threatened, do not reliably measure the loss of genetic diversity. 

The findings are published in the journal Biological Conservation, along with recommendations that could be used to inform guidance on the conservation of genetic diversity in the future. 

Dr Sílvia Pérez-Espona, lecturer and conservation science programme coordinator at the Roslin Institute, said: “Genetic diversity of all species, including the ones that are not deemed socioeconomically important, should be considered into national biodiversity strategies to ensure that species and their ecosystems are resilient to environmental changes. We hope that our recommendations will be considered in future assessments worldwide.” 

The United Nations described the CBD as the key international instrument for "the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources". 

With 195 member countries, the overall goal of the CBD is to encourage actions that will lead to a sustainable future. 

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.