Worldwide about one third of all plant species is estimated to be threatened with extinction. Plants are generally under-represented in conservation. However, the global strategy for plant conservation (GSPC) sets forth 16 targets to halt the current and continuing loss of plant diversity within a framework for actions at global, regional, national and local levels. Target 8 of the GSPC directs that at least 75 % of threatened plant species be present in ex situ collections by 2020, but this target is far from being met. By analyzing where gaps in ex situ collections and research exist relative to diversity hotspots of threatened species, it is possible to identify and prioritize action. We undertake a gap analysis of ex situ collection needs in the genus Magnolia, a relatively well-known and valuable genus. Results indicate three main areas of biodiversity (China, Vietnam and Colombia) for the endangered Magnolia taxa. The present paper provides a critical overview of recent conservation activities carried out in the genus Magnolia throughout the world, focusing on genetic diversity analyses of the species
Maintaining living ex situ collections is one of the key conservation methods in botanic gardens worldwide. Despite of the existence of many other conservation approaches used nowadays, it offers for many endangered plants an important insurance policy for the future, especially for rare and threatened relict trees. The aim of this research was to investigate the global extent of living ex situ collections, to assess and discuss their viability and inform the development of conservation approaches that respond to latest global conservation challenges. We used as a model taxon the tree genus Zelkova (Ulmaceae). The genus includes six prominent Tertiary relict trees which survived the last glaciation in disjunct and isolated refugial regions. Our comprehensive worldwide survey shows that the majority of botanic institutions with Zelkova collections are in countries with a strong horticultural tradition and not in locations of their origin. More importantly, the acutely threatened Zelkova species are not the most represented in collections, and thus safeguarded through ex situ conservation. Less than 20% of the ex situ collections surveyed Published in which should be cited to refer to this work.http://doc.rero.ch contain plant material of known wild provenance while the majority (90%) of collections are generally very small (1-10 trees). Botanic gardens and arboreta particularly in regions where iconic relict trees naturally occur should play a vital role in the conservation of these species. The coordination of conservation efforts between gardens has to be enhanced to prioritise action for the most threatened relict trees. Large scale genetic studies should be undertaken, ideally at genus level, in order to verify or clarify the provenance of ex situ collections of relict trees in cultivation. For the most threatened relict tree genera, wellcoordinated specialist groups should be created.
ABSTRACT1. Invertebrates were collected, using corers and sweep nets, from 25 salt marshes, and adjacent mudflats and strandlines, in Essex, eastern England, to describe assemblages and assess their conservation importance.2. Sweep net samples were more variable in taxon richness than core samples. Neither sampling method, nor samples from the three habitats (main marsh, mudflat, strandline) could be used as an indicator of taxon richness of the salt marsh as a whole.3. Core samples collected relatively few, but often abundant, marine species which were generally widespread and a large number of terrestrial species, which were generally restricted in distribution. The mudflat fauna was species poor. Sweep net samples of main marsh and strandline were markedly different in their species composition; many species, with generally patchy distributions, were recorded and Diptera predominated. There was n o relationship between invertebrate taxon richness, plant species richness or measured environmental variables.4. TWINSPAN was used to classify sites and invertebrate species. On the entire data set, six groups of sites were identified, but there was no trend in taxonomic richness. Only 25% of species were restricted to a single group. Sweep nets provided a much higher discrimination of sites. 5. The conservation value of salt marsh sites for invertebrates is discussed using four criteria: community distinctiveness, species richness, species rarity and community functioning. A holistic approach to the conservation of salt marshes within the region is recommended.
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