New conservation panel to focus on microorganisms crucial for human and planet health

Mongabay
Mongabay
3M ago
50 views
The IUCN has formed a new expert group to prioritize the conservation of microorganisms essential for human and ecosystem health.
New conservation panel to focus on microorganisms crucial for human and planet health
A What happened
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has launched the Microbial Conservation Specialist Group (MCSG) to address the conservation of microorganisms, which are vital yet often neglected in conservation efforts. This new group will evaluate the status and threats to beneficial microbes, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, which are crucial for ecosystem stability and human health. The MCSG plans to create a global network to advise on conservation priorities and compile data on threatened microbial ecosystems. They will also develop specific criteria for a Red List to classify microbes at risk of extinction. Examples of threatened microorganisms include marine cyanobacteria, which are essential for oxygen production, and actinomycetes, important for soil health and antibiotic production. The MCSG aims to leverage their findings to support the conservation of larger organisms as well.
★

Key insights

  • 1

    Importance of Microorganisms: Microorganisms play critical roles in ecosystem stability and human health.

  • 2

    Threats to Microbial Life: Habitat destruction and climate change pose significant risks to beneficial microbes.

  • 3

    Development of Red List: The MCSG will create a Red List to classify microbes at high risk of extinction.

  • 4

    Global Conservation Network: The group aims to build a network to advise on microbial conservation priorities.

  • 5

    Link to Larger Organisms: Understanding microbes can aid in the conservation of larger species.

Takeaways

The establishment of the MCSG marks a significant step towards recognizing and protecting the vital role of microorganisms in conservation efforts.

Topics

Climate & Environment Climate Change Conservation