Genetic diversity and connectivity in fragmented populations of Rhinanthus minor in two regions with contrasting land-use

Abstract

Knowledge of genetic diversity and connectivity within and between populations of specialist meadow plants is crucial to developing effective conservation strategies at the landscape-scale. This study investigated levels of genetic diversity within, and gene flow between populations of a key annual species, Rhinanthus minor in protected meadows and landscape matrix sites in two contrasting regions. Possible barriers to gene flow were also analysed. Leaf material from 714 individuals in an extensively managed upland region and an intensively managed lowland region of the UK was genotyped using microsatellite markers. Genetic diversity was similar in the two regions (H e = 0.48 and 0.44). F ST values indicated population differentiation in both regions but the estimate was higher in the lowland (F ST = 0.28) than in the upland region (F ST = 0.19); evidence of global structure was revealed in a spatial principal components analysis but a maximum likelihood population effects model did not identify significant predictors of population differentiation after testing the effects of Euclidean geographic distance, land cover and elevation. Conservation strategies should aim to maintain large populations in meadows to enhance genetic diversity. At the same time the focus should be on existing and additional species-rich grassland fragments, particularly in areas of intensive land-use, if genetic connectivity is to be retained.

Identifying Priority Giant Anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) Populations for Conservation in São Paulo State, Brazil

“…These discoveries, supported by different statistical methods, highlight the importance of small‐scale genetic studies to determine whether any barriers are restricting gene flow and, ultimately, to prevent further losses of genetic diversity. Identifying population numbers, levels of genetic diversity, and the degree of connectivity between individuals and populations in an anthropized landscape may provide useful information for conservation strategies and demonstrated the importance of preserving the few habitat fragments that remain (Sullivan et al., 2019; Weiss & Leese, 2016).…”

“…The use of microsatellite markers in this study aided in the identifica- demonstrated the importance of preserving the few habitat fragments that remain (Sullivan et al, 2019;Weiss & Leese, 2016).…”

Genetic diversity and population structure of endangered plant species Anagallis foemina Mill. [Lysimachia foemina (Mill.) U. Manns & Anderb.]

“…A low level of genetic diversity is usually found in small, isolated populations (Jacquemyn et al 2010 ; Crichton et al 2016 ; Sullivan et al 2019 ). The loss of species biodiversity in a given area is one of the main environmental problems (Godefroid et al 2011 ; Brütting 2013 ).…”

“…This also applies to species that currently survive in small quantities as a result of intensified agriculture (Honnay and Jacquemyn 2007 ). Such populations are more susceptible to genetic drift and reduced gene flow between populations (Ellstrand and Elam 1993; Sullivan et al 2019 ).…”

“…The strong differentiation of A. foemina populations between geographical regions indicates that current gene flow is very low. Daco et al (2019) analyzing the protected species of A low level of genetic diversity is usually found in small, isolated populations (Jacquemyn et al 2010;Crichton et al 2016;Sullivan et al 2019). The loss of species biodiversity in a given area is one of the main environmental problems (Godefroid et al 2011;Brütting 2013).…”