Now the Peruvian Amazon is in great peril. Wildfires and habitat destruction are forcing species to the edge of extinction — sometimes before we even have a chance to describe them. Alarmingly, still a large portion of the region’s biodiversity is not even accounted for in these global databases. Many researchers are currently working to remedy these gaps. They are providing important new genetic data for birds and mammals native to Peru. Their work will help bolster conservation initiatives in this critical region.
In the past half decade, scientists have made great progress in creating a genetic snapshot of the diverse genetic tapestry of Amazonian wildlife. Researchers discovered that 44% of Peruvian birds and 45% of native Peruvian mammals are absent from key genetic databases. Some of these reference databases are GenBank and the Barcode of Life Database (BOLD). The picture is bleaker still for Peruvian samples, where representation falls to a meager 4.3% for birds.
New Genetic Barcodes and Increased Representation
During the digital decade, 2018-2023, researchers achieved some amazing feats, producing genetic barcodes for 1,858 specimens. This meant generating the first ever barcodes for 30 species of mammals and 196 species of birds. Together, these initiatives significantly increased the representation of Peruvian wildlife in BOLD. Consequently, the representation of mammals data increased by as much in some areas as 110%, and birds representation by 36.5%.
This genetic information is a small but significant key to understanding complex ecological communities and creating intelligent conservation strategies that will work. Pamela Sánchez Vendizú, a prominent researcher in the field, stated, “Documenting biodiversity is the first step in understanding how ecological communities form and function, which is essential for developing effective conservation strategies that are crucial for sustaining an ecological balance and supporting the livelihoods that depend on these environments.”
In Situ Laboratories and Local Empowerment
To overcome limitations of traditional DNA barcoding, the research team set up three in situ labs. These labs have been outfitted with portable nanopore sequencing technologies to remove reliance on overseas sequencing partners. This unique strategy gives local scientists the ability to record and sequence Amazonian wildlife without needing to export samples.
César Arana, Ph.D., the lead natural historian at the San Marcos Natural History Museum, emphasized the significance of this initiative, stating, “This initiative enhances the capabilities of Peruvian scientific institutions to manage and utilize their biodiversity resources effectively, setting a precedent for resource-limited and biodiversity-rich countries worldwide.”
It’s the first digital survey of its kind to involve local scientists and conservationists, who worked to document biodiversity as completely as possible. This approach further inspires these individuals to take a hand in protecting and saving their natural heritage.
Responding to Conservation Emergencies
Rapidly producing this type of genetic information is critical for informing pressing conservation emergencies. This includes combating and providing a response to surges in illegal wildlife trade. The new in situ system allows researchers to respond quickly when ecological crises arise. Mrinalini Erkenswick Watsa, Ph.D., lamented the burdensome historical accountability assigned to biologists for the current extinction crisis. She remarked, “As species disappear, biologists are increasingly called on to take on the role of historians.”
Additionally, the new method makes it easier to enable biodiversity documentation straight from the field. Today researchers are able to rapidly sequence genomic data. This provides unfortunate flexibility by removing the need for time-consuming partnerships with outside actors, allowing for a quicker response to ecological calamity.
With less than three years to finalize conservation efforts, this research is key to prioritize immediate actions. It sets a precedent for future research and efforts that will help safeguard Peru’s incredible biodiversity. These genetic barcodes open a window into deep knowledge. Their use can attract ecological critiques and assist in the development of efficient, sustainable strategies to save species.