In the present study, a genetic analysis of nuclear microsatellites was conducted in Abies cilicica populations growing in West Taurus, East Taurus, and Lebanon mountains to obtain evidence for significant genetic differentiation. Despite range fragmentation, all examined populations tended to maintain a relatively high level of genetic diversity (H E = 0.724) and showed moderate genetic differentiation (F ST = 0.134) that is frequently noted in Mediterranean tree species. However, significant inbreeding, bottleneck effect, and low effective population sizes were detected, that may negatively affect species genetic resources. Bayesian clustering revealed three distinct groups, "West Taurus", "East Taurus," and "Lebanon", which reflect geographic structure of the species natural range. Minor genetic admixture between Lebanese and East Taurus populations of A. cilicica was found, but no genetic admixture between Lebanese populations and West Taurus. We argue that significant genetic differentiation discovered among areas of species occurrence is probably due to the effect of long-lasting genetic isolation that started in that region along with the Pleistocene climatic alternation and was further enhanced with human-induced deforestations.

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European yew (Taxus baccata L.) is a rare species, but is the focus of great interest because of the species recovery attempts and its use in medicine. The aim of this study was to determine the optimum conditions for the development of the young generation of this species. Four-year old yew seedlings were grown under artificial light reduction: 2, 8, and 30%, as well as in full light. The seedlings were then planted in natural conditions in fenced and unfenced areas. The results of six years field studies indicated that the greatest impact on survival was shown by the light conditions from the period before planting under the canopy of trees. Seedlings from the 2 and 8% of light showed the greatest mortality. The reason was the sudden change in light conditions, because at the time of planting (early spring), there was no reduction of light under deciduous trees. Almost all of the unfenced yew seedlings were grazed by deer, but yew survival in the unfenced group was surprisingly high despite the permanent grazing. This was explained by the high resistance of yew to cutting and the protection of seedlings by a dense layer of Rubus. The results indicated that yew trees require protection against animals for normal development, even if animals have not previously had contact with Taxus and that yew seedlings are very sensitive to sudden changes in light. Both conclusions can be applied in the development of natural and artificial regeneration of European yew and other endangered plants.