The pilot study for monitoring genetic diversity in Switzerland wants to:
- test and standardise procedures for sample collection, laboratory work and data analysis.
- establish cooperation with stakeholders – such as cantonal authorities, administrations, scientific collections and environmental offices.
- establish reference values for the current genetic diversity of five selected species and document possible changes in genetic diversity over the past century for two species.
- test whether there is evidence that anthropogenic influences, such as habitat loss due to increased land use, have a measurable impact on the extent of genetic diversity in the studied species.
The pilot study is intended to create the necessary conditions for implementing a future monitoring of genetic diversity on a representative selection of plant, fungal and animal species.