Conservation genetics of two rare and endemic Myrceugenia species (Myrtaceae) from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest.
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s10592-025-01703-4.pdf
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1.81 MB
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Resource type
Journal article
Date published
May 14, 2025
Abstract
Genetic diversity is essential to the survival and resilience of all species, yet very few studies characterizing the intraspecific genetic diversity of rare species have been carried out. In this study, we assessed and described the genetic diversity and structure of two rare and endemic species (Myrtaceae) from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest using microsatellite markers developed specifically for each species. We also followed the IUCN guidelines to assess their conservation status and discussed conservation strategies for these species. Our results suggested a moderate level of genetic diversity for both species. , distributed at lower altitudes, is the species with the lowest genetic diversity, although with low differentiation among populations. presented higher genetic diversity and a more distinct genetic structure, possibly because of its exclusive occurrence at higher altitudes. Both species require conservation efforts to avoid future declines in population size and distribution range. The main threat to these species is habitat loss or fragmentation due to urban expansion. Considering this, our practical recommendations for conserving these species include immediate actions, such as including the species in official red lists, and long-term actions, such as cultivation for future reintroduction. This study represents the first conservation effort focused on species from the Atlantic Forest, marking an important initial step towards understanding these and other rare species from this biome.
Project(s)
Priority 4: Accelerated Taxonomy
Priority 1: Ecosystem Stewardship
Funder
| Funder name | Awards |
Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior, Brazil | Doctoral scholarship - Postdoctoral scholarship - Finance Code 001 |
Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico, Brazil | CNPq Universal #422487/2021-0 |
Brazilian Biodivesity Fund, Brazil | Conservando o Futuro scholarships |
International Association for Plant Taxonomy, Slovakia | |
Journal title
Conservation Genetics
Volume
26
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Place of publication
Berlin/Heidelberg, Germany
ISSN
1566-0621
eISSN
1572-9737
Date accepted
April 28, 2025
Official URL
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In Copyright
Additional information
IF = 1.7 (2024)