Do Protected Areas Protect DNA? A Global Assessment of Genetic Diversity in Mammals and Fish

As global conservation targets evolve, protecting biodiversity is no longer just about preserving species and habitats—it now includes safeguarding genetic diversity, the raw material of evolution [2-4]. In alignment with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework’s Target 4, Schmidt et al. [5] undertook a pioneering study to examine whether current protected areas (PAs) effectively conserve genetic diversity in terrestrial mammals and marine fishes.