Spatial Genetic Structure of Campanula sabatia, a Threatened Narrow Endemic Species of the Mediterranean Basin

Abstract

Campanula sabatia is endemic to NW Italy (Liguria) and it was included in the European Red list of endangered species due to the heavy human pressure on its habitat. AFLP markers were used to detect the genetic diversity within and among ten populations (totalling 83 individuals) representing the range of the species. In spite of the limited distribution of this endemic taxon, high levels in percentage of polymorphic bands (PPB), gene diversity (H S and H T ) and Shannon's information index (I) were detected both at population (PPB060 %, H S 00.1853, I00.2836) and at species level (PPB0100 %, H T 00.2415, I00.3871). The coefficient of genetic differentiation among population (G' ST ) was 0.1935, while the level of gene flow (N' m ) was estimated to be 2.0832. AMOVA analysis identified a genetic variation within populations of 83 % of the total. Bayesian clustering methods assigned individuals to two geographical groups partly found within the same population, probably due to a high rate of genetic exchange among its populations. Conservation measures are suggested on the basis of the genetic diversity detected to ensure an effective protection for this endemic species.

Analyses between Reproductive Behavior, Genetic Diversity and Pythium Responsiveness in Zingiber spp. Reveal an Adaptive Significance for Hemiclonality

“…The AFLP error rate obtained in ginger (0.11%), Z. neesanum (0.82%), Z. nimmonii (0.78%), and Z. zerumbet (0.26%) was negligible as compared to the AFLP error rate reported earlier in other species, such as Juniperus communis (12.6%, Vanden-Broeck et al, 2011) and Campanula sabatia (1.56%, Nicoletti et al, 2012). Population genetic parameters computed in the four Zingiber spp.…”

“…However, in contrast to this general assumption, the South Indian endemic Z. neesanum and Z. nimmonii (Sabu, 2003) yielded high genetic diversity ( Table 2 ), as reported before in certain other endemic species such as C. sabatia (Nicoletti et al, 2012). The significant ( p < 0.05) population differentiation observed in Z. neesanum ( F st = 0.70) may be a corollary of very low gene flow (Nm = 0.1964) observed in this species, because the populations of a species with low gene flow are tended to differentiate locally (Ellstrand, 2014).…”

The plant endemism in the Maritime and Ligurian Alps

“…Currently, a conservation plan based on genetic knowledge is available only for Campanula sabatia De Not. (Nicoletti et al 2012). This species is considered vulnerable according to the IUCN criteria due to the decline of populations induced by the anthropogenic pressure (Marsili et al 2010).…”

Evaluating the rarity and genetic structure of populations of the endangered Australian endemic plant Trioncinia retroflexa (Asteraceae): potential consequences for management and conservation

“…The protection and restoration of endangered and rare species is one of the biggest conservation challenges conservationists face (Nicoletti et al 2012;Sork and Smouse 2006;Walters 2007;Young et al 1996). This problem is exacerbated by a lack of information about the ecology of most rare and endangered species under previous or current conditions.…”

“…A common assumption underlying this type of conservation plan is that threats such as habitat loss, habitat fragmentation and habitat degradation have caused the rare status of the species (Aguilar et al 2008;Nicoletti, et al 2012). Further, it is often assumed that anthropogenic environmental changes have led to retractions of rare species' distributions, from assumed large-to highly restricted and often fragmented ranges since human activities started in such species' ranges.…”