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A critical review on the utility of DNA barcoding in biodiversity conservation

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Abstract

This article considers the utility of DNA barcodes for conservation. DNA barcoding is a molecular tool that uses standardised genetic primers, traditionally the 600- to 800-segments of the mitochondrial gene cytochrome c oxidase I, to classify species. It has become increasingly popular as an efficient way of studying and categorising species to prioritise conservation efforts. A challenge remains, however, in using this information to provide a universally acceptable species concept. Genetic barcoding may focus conservation strategies on populations that have differences in mitochondrial DNA rather than on species. DNA barcodes might also provide potentially useful information about taxa that are relatively well studied—rather than those that require more research. The argument is made that DNA barcoding can provide useful taxonomic data, but should be used with caution to prevent it from being used out of context. DNA barcoding is an increasingly fashionable and novel concept that has generated optimism in enhancing biodiversity assessments—however, this approach should be used in conjunction with other methods for effective conservation efforts.

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Abbreviations

COI:

Cytochrome c oxidase I

DNA:

Deoxyribonucleic acid

ITS:

Nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer

mtDNA:

Mitochondrial DNA

numt:

Nuclear pseudogene of mitochondrial origin

OTU:

Operational taxonomic unit

PD:

Phylogenetic diversity

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Clive Hambler, University of Oxford, and two anonymous reviewers for useful comments on earlier drafts of this paper.

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  1. Via Portuense 100, Int. 10-F, 00153, Rome, Italy

    P. Krishna Krishnamurthy

  2. Department of Geography, King’s College London, Strand, London, WC2R 2LS, England, UK

    Robert A. Francis

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Correspondence to P. Krishna Krishnamurthy.

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Krishna Krishnamurthy, P., Francis, R.A. A critical review on the utility of DNA barcoding in biodiversity conservation. Biodivers Conserv 21, 1901–1919 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10531-012-0306-2

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