Relevance of genetics for conservation policies: the case of Minorcan cork oaks.

Background And Aims: Marginal populations of widely distributed species can be of high conservation interest when they hold a significant or unique portion of the genetic diversity of the species. However, such genetic information is frequently lacking. Here the relevance of genetic surveys to develop efficient conservation strategies for such populations is illustrated using cork oak (Quercus suber) from Minorca (Balearic Islands, Spain) as a case study.

High variability of chloroplast DNA in three Mediterranean evergreen oaks indicates complex evolutionary history.

Chloroplast DNA variation was studied in three evergreen Quercus species (Q. suber L., Q.