Species-environment interactions changed by introduced herbivores in an oceanic high-mountain ecosystem

Seguí, Jaume; López-Darias, Marta; Pérez, Antonio José; Nogales, Manuel; Traveset, Anna

doi:10.1093/aobpla/plw091

Cited by 10 publications

(8 citation statements)

References 78 publications

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“…Moreover, the selfing rate (approx. 50 %) estimated in this study agrees with the values of autonomous selfing obtained in a previous study (Seguí et al, 2017). Nonetheless, they detected a significant increase in self-fertility with elevation and with intensity of herbivory.…”

Section: Genetic Diversity Of An Endemic Alpine Polyploidsupporting

confidence: 92%

“…Nevertheless, following the review by Vekemans and Hardy (2004), our values for the Sp statistics are lower than their estimations according to the biotic traits of V. cheiranthifolia. Sp statistics are expected to be inversely proportional to the density (Heywood, 1991), and it has been found that the damage caused by rabbits in V. cheiranthifolia greatly decreases the plant population densities (Seguí et al, 2017). Moreover, pollen dispersal by insects may be promoting higher outcrossing among individuals within populations, compensating for the selfing effects on the SGS.…”

Section: Genetic Structure and Demographic History Of Populationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…We warn that three assumptions made in the modelling approach must be met to validate these forecasts. (1) reproductive success is high enough to maintain demographic viability of the species; therefore, the conservation strategy for the species has managed to prevent herbivory by introduced rabbits, as warned by Seguí et al (2017). (2) Viola cheiranthifolia is fully able to migrate to new suitable areas.…”

Section: The Fate Of Viola Cheiranthifolia Populations and Implicatiomentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The plant grows in poor soils on cinder flats amongst the volcanic rubble, mixed with pumice stones in some localities. The species is self-compatible, but cross-pollination by insects increases the seed production; it is visited by >20 pollinator species, especially hymenopterans (Seguí et al, 2017). Viola species typically present diplochory with explosive ejection of seeds and subsequent myrmecochory (Beattie and Lyons, 1975).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…However, this double dispersal system by ants has not been observed in V. cheiranthifolia, and its seeds present a very small elaiosome. It is considered as Vulnerable (VU D2) in The Red List of Spanish Vascular Flora (Moreno-Saiz, 2008), and is especially threatened by the presence of non-native rabbits in the National Park, greatly reducing its plant fitness and abundance (Seguí et al, 2017).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Alpine species in dynamic insular ecosystems through time: conservation genetics and niche shift estimates of the endemic and vulnerableViola cheiranthifolia

et al. 2018

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Background and Aims Alpine oceanic ecosystems are considered amongst the most ephemeral and restricted habitats, with a biota highly vulnerable to climate changes and disturbances. As an example of an alpine insular endemic, the past and future population genetic structure and diversity, and the future distribution of Viola cheiranthifolia (Violaceae), endemic to Tenerife (Canary Islands), were estimated. The main goals were to predict distribution changes of this alpine oceanic plant under climate change, and to assist in actions for its conservation. • Methods To perform population genetic analysis, 14 specific microsatellite markers and algorithms which considered the polyploid condition of V. cheiranthifolia were employed. The niche modelling approach incorporated temperature gradients, topography and snow cover maps. Models were projected into climate change scenarios to assess the extent of the altitudinal shifts of environmental suitability. Finally, simulations were performed to predict whether the environmental suitability loss will affect the genetic diversity of populations. • Key Results Viola cheiranthifolia presents short dispersal capacity, moderate levels of genetic diversity and a clear population genetic structure divided into two main groups (Teide and Las Cañadas Wall), showing signs of recolonization dynamics after volcanic eruptions. Future estimates of the distribution of the study populations also showed that, despite being extremely vulnerable to climate change, the species will not lose all its potential area in the next decades. The simulations to estimate genetic diversity loss show that it is correlated to suitability loss, especially in Las Cañadas Wall. • Conclusions The low dispersal capacity of V. cheiranthifolia, coupled with herbivory pressure, mainly from rabbits, will make its adaptation to future climate conditions in this fragile alpine ecosystem difficult. Conservation actions should be focused on herbivore control, population reinforcement and surveillance of niche shifts, especially in Guajara, which represents the oldest isolated population and a genetic reservoir for the species.

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Section: Genetic Diversity Of An Endemic Alpine Polyploidsupporting

confidence: 92%