International Science Community Association International Research Journal of Biological Sciences 2278-3202 8 12 2019 12 10 The importance of genetic variation in wildlife populations and its relationship with the structure and conservation of habitats, a critical review 37 41 EN Fasalejo O.F. 1 Department of Forestry and Wood Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria Abanikanda D.E. 2 Department of Forestry and Wood Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria Offiah C.J. 3 Department of Forestry and Wood Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria Krishna T. 1 Department of Biotechnology, Reva Institute of Science and Management, Banglore–560064, India Yashwanti K. 2 Department of Biotechnology, Reva Institute of Science and Management, Banglore–560064, India Surendra U. 3 Department of Biotechnology, Reva Institute of Science and Management, Banglore–560064, India Ateet S. 4 Department of Biotechnology, Reva Institute of Science and Management, Banglore–560064, India Kumar K.M. 5 Centre for R&D Life Sciences, Department of Biotechnology, Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering, Banglore-78, India Legesse Shiferaw 1 Ethiopia Meat and Dairy Industry Development Institute Bishoftu, East Shoa, Ethioipa Mestawet Taye 2 Dairy Science and Technology Department, Hawassaa University College of Agriculture Hawassa, Southern, Ethiopia Haile Welearegay 3 Dairy Science and Technology Department, Hawassaa University College of Agriculture Hawassa, Southern, Ethiopia Arturo G. Gracia Jr. 1 Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, College of Arts and Sciences, Surigao del Sur State University-Main Campus, Tandag City, Surigao del Sur, Philippines P. Jeyavel Karthick 1 Department of Biotechnology, Vivekanandha College of Engineering for Women, Tiruchengode–637 205, Tamilnadu, India B. Aarthi 2 Department of Biotechnology, Vivekanandha College of Engineering for Women, Tiruchengode–637 205, Tamilnadu, India S. Nivedha 3 Department of Biotechnology, Vivekanandha College of Engineering for Women, Tiruchengode–637 205, Tamilnadu, India T.M. Simon 1 School of Tourism, Hospitality and Events Management, Department of Tourism Management, Moi University, Kenya > Review Paper 2019 8 26 2019 12 10 Other than natural causes, human actions and inactions through habitat destruction and ineffective implementation of species management and conservation plans are major causes of species extinctions. This study sought to systematically review the importance of habitats in enhancing genetic variation in preventing extinction and relate this to conservation practices. Findings confirm that intact and unfragmented habitats and genetic variation are important aspect in species conservation. Species management plans should, therefore, focus on maintaining this through preventing habitat destruction, a future ecological cost of current human practices and malpractices. Copyright@ International Science Community Association