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Genetic diversity within wild and domestic animal populations, which is a component of biodiversity, has been modeled by the same mechanisms of evolution derived from both artificial and natural selection.

This diversity is expressed by an important phentoypic and genotypic variability at different scales: species, populations, breeds...The genetic diversity is a key element for the adaptation to environmental conditions. Beyond the conservation of genetic resources and considering the major changes expected in the near future, the management of genetic diversity is essential to (1) ensure the continuity of eco-systemic services and (2) allow agro-eco-sustems to continue to adapt. In order to include the different approaches in biodiversity, the Group on Earth Observations Biodiversity Observation Network (GEO BON) defined common variables that allow considering biodiversity as a whole: the Essential Biodiversity Variables (EBV).

The efficient size of a population, which represents genetic diversity, plays a central role in the management of domestic and wild populations (or those in captivity) in their capacity to evolve (genetic progress, adaptation).

In addition, inbreeding, via inbreeding depression, will directly impact performances or the fitness of populations. However, the methods for criteria estimation vary depending on the population due to different objectives, constraints and types of information.

Paris, 12 and 13 May 2016

Organized by: INRA, AgroParisTech and the Foundation for Biodiversity Research

With support from: ECOSCOPE, CRB ANIM, SAPS