Introduced Herbivores Threaten the Conservation Genetics of Two Critically Endangered Single-Island Endemics, and .

Plants (Basel)

Instituto Universitario de Estudios Ambientales y Recursos Naturales (IUNAT), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Campus Universitario de Tafira, 35017 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain.

Published: September 2024

AI Article Synopsis

  • There are two rare plant species from Fuerteventura, Canary Islands, that are in big trouble because goats have hurt their homes and made it hard for them to grow.
  • Scientists want to help these plants by studying their genetics and finding the best places to help them grow back.
  • They found that one species is all mixed up genetic-wise, and both species could be inbreeding, which is bad for their survival, so their information can help local governments take better care of the plants.

Article Abstract

Pett. ex Bramwell & Sunding and (A.Santos & M.Fernández) M.Will, N.Schmalz & Class.-Bockh. are two single-island endemic species from Fuerteventura (Canary Islands), inhabiting the same areas and similar habitats. They are under the "Critically Endangered" category due to historical herbivore pressure, mainly goats, leading to habitat fragmentation and poor population recruitment. The main aim of our study was to provide insights into the conservation genetics and habitat suitability of these two species. For this purpose, we sampled all known populations on the island and developed two new sets of microsatellite markers. Moreover, to assist restoration plans, we performed species distribution models to determine the most suitable areas for reintroduction. While is highly fragmented, with low genetic diversity indices in some populations, 's genetic structure is quite homogeneous, grouped in three main regions, with signs of inbreeding and an overall low genetic diversity. Both species could present moderate to high levels of autogamy. Our findings can provide guidance to local governments regarding conservation actions to be implemented in the field, like the identification of propagule sources and new suitable areas for restoration.

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Source
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11435307PMC
http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/plants13182573DOI Listing

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