Comparison of indicators for genetic diversity in species with contrasted life-history traits and evolutionary scenarios
Résumé
Population genetic diversity (GD) is essential for long-term adaptive potential in wild species and is shaped by life-history traits (LHTs) and microevolutionary processes. Conservation policy has endorsed protection of GD with the adoption of a Headline Indicator in the 2022 Global Biodiversity Framework, based on effective population size Ne. To shed light on the drivers of population Ne and improve GD indicator estimation, we estimated Ne for different, large DNA datasets in ca. 20 selected species with contrasted LHTs related to lifespan (axis 1) and reproductive strategies (axis 2). In each species, we estimated Ne with two methods using Linkage Disequilibrium statistics in 2-15 populations, considering spatial genetic structure, dispersal capacity and population history (axis 3) as well as technical data features. We discuss challenges linked to DNA-based Ne estimates and GD indicators in contrasted species, and contribute to developing best practices for GD indicator estimation.