Spatially explicit assessment of genetic variation to inform conservation effort for an endangered Mediterranean conifer, Cedrus atlantica
Metadata
Show full item recordEditorial
Wiley
Materia
Atlas cedar Bioclimatic variables Genetic diversity and rarity Gradient forest model In situ-ex situ conservation
Date
2022-12-12Referencia bibliográfica
Bobo-Pinilla, J... [et al.] (2022). Spatially explicit assessment of genetic variation to inform conservation effort for an endangered Mediterranean conifer, Cedrus atlantica. Ecology and Evolution, 12, e9613. [https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.9613]
Sponsorship
Andalusian Plan for Research, Development and Innovation RTI2018-101714- B-I00; Spanish government, State R&D Program Oriented to the Challenges of the Society A-RNM-688-UGR20 B-RNM-404-UGR18 P18-RT-1170 P18-RT-4963Abstract
Preserving the genetic diversity of forest species is critical for maintaining their adaptive
potential and allowing for generation turnover in forest ecosystems. Considering
an uncertain future, it is necessary to establish reliable genetic conservation strategies
to optimize the genetic variation preserved within populations in a spatially
explicit context to assist decision-makers.
Hence, we aimed to incorporate genetic
information into spatially designed conservation actions. Cedrus atlantica is a large,
long-lived
conifer native to the mountains of North Africa, threatened by extinction.
The relevant genetic units for conservation were selected using Bayesian analysis.
The relative contribution of the populations to the genetic pool that maximized the
species' genetic diversity was calculated to design an optimal seed bank. Finally, the
relationship between the genetic composition and bioclimatic variables was estimated
and projected throughout the study area under current and future climatic conditions.
Three relevant genetic units were found for C. atlantica conservation that maximizes
genetic diversity in a spatial context. Bioclimatic variables with the highest influence
on genetic composition were closely related to climate warming and decreased soil
water availability. We identified the role of genetic markers in designing a reliable conservation
strategy for forest trees considering climate change, increased deforestation,
and aridity. Projections of genetic composition due to the climate in the study
region of North Africa provide spatially explicit guidance for optimizing the selection
and preservation of seed banks.