From global to local scale: where is the best for conservation purpose?

Abstract

Demographic analysis of plant populations represents an essential conservation tool allowing to identify the population trends both at global and at the local level. In this study, the population dynamics of Helianthemum caput-felis (Cistaceae) was investigated at the local level by monitoring six populations distributed in Sardinia, Balearic Islands and Ibero-Levantine coast (Alicante). Demographic data for each population were analysed by performing Integral Projection Models (IPMs). Our results showed that, although the local trend of the main basic demographic functions was similar, vital rates and demographic dynamics varied among populations indicating high variability. In fact, asymptotic growth rate in Spanish populations widely varied both between years and populations (some populations growth, decline or strongly decline), while Sardinian populations showed greater equilibrium or a slight increase. Also, the typical pattern of a long-lived species was not supported by the results at the local scale. These results indicated that different populations of the same species can present extremely different population dynamics and support the belief that, for conservation needs, local studies are more informative than global ones: the conservation status of H. caput-felis could notably vary at a small spatial scale and, accordingly, the conservation efforts must be planned at the population level and supported by local analysis.

Importance of Plants with Extremely Small Populations (PSESPs) in Endemic-Rich Areas, Elements Often Forgotten in Conservation Strategies

“…Our study demonstrates that the conservation status of a plant globally considered not threatened could notably vary at a small spatial scale; accordingly, such evidence leads us to confirm that conservation priorities should vary at the small local level, since a population could need different conservation measures depending on the particular local conditions [ 21 , 33 ]. Because these species are generally not included in specific regional conservation strategies, most plant species with extremely small populations remain in danger of extinction; a first step at the local level in this direction is the inclusion of these plant species in the regional priority lists (according to the “regional responsibility” criterion) and in the National Red Lists.…”

“…Unfortunately, as in several Mediterranean areas, in Sardinia there are regional gaps in related laws and regulations regarding wild plant conservation. Furthermore, these lists must be open and include not only endemic species but also other plants of conservation interest, as suggested for the Mediterranean insular floras [ 21 ], and, when possible, be capable of highlighting the conservation needs by single population rather than by species [ 33 ].…”

Knowledge Gaps in Taxonomy, Ecology, Population Distribution Drivers and Genetic Diversity of African Sandalwood (Osyris lanceolata Hochst. & Steud.): A Scoping Review for Conservation

“…In particular, conservation of threatened habitats for the species population is necessary [ 123 ]. As different populations exhibit different population dynamics, conservation planning ought to be undertaken at the population level and reinforced by local investigations which are more informative than global studies [ 124 ]. Additionally, locally adapted monitoring protocols that consider different stakeholders at local and regional levels are key in tracking populations of threatened species [ 125 ].…”

Distinct Cold Acclimation of Productivity Traits in Arabidopsis thaliana Ecotypes

“…. more informative than global ones" [64]. Stearns [65] suggested revising the assessment of traits as either positive or negative by updating the concept of tradeoffs to include a more fluid view of "dynamic linkages."…”