Range-wide analysis of the spatial distribution and genetic diversity of Delonix s.l. (Leguminosae) in Madagascar : enhancing herbarium-based conservation assessments

Plant conservation--Madagascar;Endangered plants--Madagascar;Delonix--Conservation--Madagascar;Spatial analysis (Statistics);Plant population genetics

Rivers, Malin C. ; Meagher, Thomas Robert ; Meagher, Thomas Robert

University:University of St Andrews

Department:Biology (School of)

关键词: Plant conservation--Madagascar;    Endangered plants--Madagascar;    Delonix--Conservation--Madagascar;    Spatial analysis (Statistics);    Plant population genetics;   

Others  :  https://research-repository.st-andrews.ac.uk/bitstream/handle/10023/2097/MalinCRiversPhDThesis.pdf?sequence=6&isAllowed=y

来源: DR-NTU

【 摘 要 】

Despite their ecological and economic importance, the majority of plant species andtheir conservation status are poorly known. Only 4% of plants have been assessedglobally and listed on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; and without plantconservation assessments, many plant species will not feature in conservationplanning.Herbarium collection information can significantly increase the number of plantconservation assessments. Thus, the aims of this thesis were: (1) to investigate howthe quality of herbarium-based conservation assessments can be optimised; (2) toassess the extent to which herbarium-based conservation assessments reflect thereality on the ground; and (3) to scientifically validate genetic and spatial underpinningof IUCN criteria.Preliminary range-based assessments of the Leguminosae of Madagascar achieved aresult consistent with the final conservation rating for over 95% of species when usingup to fifteen herbarium specimens. Bioclimatic modelling of range shifts based onfuture climate change predicted that, in the worst case scenario, up to one third ofendemic Leguminosae in Madagascar will be threatened with extinction over the next100 years. An analysis of the population structure of species of Delonix s.l.(Leguminosae) showed that combining spatial analysis with population genetic dataprovides a more complete picture of landscape-level population dynamics and theimpacts on conservation status.Moreover, range-wide genetic analysis of AFLP markers for four species of Delonixdemonstrated a genetic basis for IUCN categories distinguishing between threatenedand non-threatened species. Although genetic data are currently not oftenincorporated in conservation assessments, they are crucial in making accuratemanagement decisions and creating effective action plans for conservation. Only byusing all available scientific resources can informed conservation decisions be madeand the survival of plants and their associated ecosystems be ensured.