Current Status of Magnolia vovidesii (Magnoliaceae, Magnoniales): New Data on Population Trends, Spatial Structure, and Disturbance Threats

Abstract

Magnolia vovidesii has been found in a few small patches in central Veracruz, Mexico. Previous ecological studies have suggested high reproductive potential and stable population growth; however, in the last 20 years, there have been severe anthropogenic environmental impacts on the species. The main objectives of this study were (a) to document the current trend of the population, (b) to determine its spatial structure, and (c) to identify the main threats to the species in order to propose conservation and management strategies. Our results show a population in decline, caused by high mortality during early establishment stages (seeds and seedlings) and the removal of young sick trees during the reproductive stage. We found a strong spatial dependence between seedlings and reproductive individuals (young and old adults) and a weak spatial association between reproductive stages, suggesting a nursing effect, inbreeding, and pollen dependence. The main threats to the population are frequent plant removal, trails used by people, land-use change, and parasitism. These data show the urgent need to carry out prompt conservation action for the species, with special emphasis on ex situ propagation. The results of this study suggest that M. vovidesii should be transferred to the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List category for critically endangered species.

Habitat Characteristics of Magnolia Based on Spatial Analysis: Landscape Protection to Conserve Endemic and Endangered Magnolia sulawesiana Brambach, Noot., and Culmsee

“…Other research shows that most of the endemic and endangered species of Magnolia are naturally found in tropical mountain forests and at high elevations. Examples include M. schiedeana in Mexico [43], M. sinica in Yunan (1339-1707 m asl) [44], M. vovidesii in Mexico (1520-1550 m asl) [21], and M. granbarrancae (1073-1215 m asl) [22].…”

“…There is also Magnolia cubensis in Cuba, which is a highly endangered and endemic species that requires conservation measures. The need for conservation action was determined based on the findings of studies on the influence of habitat fragmentation on the species' population structure and genetic diversity [21]. In Western Mexico, Magnolia granbarrancae, M. pugana, M. talpana, and M. vallartensis are also critically endangered species because their extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are below the limits set by the IUCN, and they also have a low genetic diversity [22].…”

Light quality and temperature fluctuation promote the germination of Magnolia alejandrae (Magnoliaceae, sect. Macrophylla), a critically endangered species endemic to northeast Mexico

“…Besides the obstacles for germination, the species may face difficulties for establishment, such as Magnolia vovidesii A. Vázquez, Domínguez-Yescas & L. Carvajal belonging to Magnolia L. sect. Macrophylla Figlar & Noot., having high seed mortality (99.7 %) and 96.7 % mortality in the transition from seedlings to juveniles, resulting in low regeneration potential (Galván-Hernández et al 2020).…”