A species can be legally 'saved' from extinction even if its DNA is still quietly falling apart in the background.
EcoEvoRxiv · March 16, 2026 · 10.32942/X2KX06
Why it matters
A study of 161 species reveals that the U.S. Endangered Species Act often ignores 'genetic erosion.' A population can appear stable in total numbers while losing the deep genetic diversity required to survive long-term, meaning species are being cleared for recovery while they are still in a hidden state of genetic decay.
From the abstract
Despite its importance to fitness and population viability, genetic diversity is rarely incorporated into biodiversity assessments. The recent adoption of indicators of intraspecific genetic diversity by the Convention on Biological Diversity has highlighted the importance of evaluating genetic diversity in wild species. Genetic indicators are useful even in the absence of genetic data because they reflect two major drivers of genetic diversity: population size and the maintenance of populations