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Full text release has been delayed at the author's request until December 10, 2024

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Genetic-based Conservation Implications for the ex situ Populations of Critically Endangered Hawaiian Plant Species

Bridgens, Rachel
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1668636124746752

Abstract Details

2022, MS, University of Cincinnati, Arts and Sciences: Biological Sciences.
Global biodiversity is facing astronomical rates of extinction as a consequence of anthropological-related disturbances such as climate change, habitat fragmentation, and the introduction of invasive species. Thus, developing effective conservation strategies is urgently needed. Ex situ conservation is a method of storing the genetic information of an endangered species outside of the often-unsuitable native habitat. These ex situ populations are typically intended for future reintroduction and population augmentation efforts, so it is critical that the genetic diversity is maximized in these populations. This study used microsatellite (SSR) and amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) genetic markers to investigate the ex situ populations of seven critically endangered Hawaiian plant species: Clermontia oblongifolia subsp. brevipes, Cyanea grimesiana subsp. grimesiana, Cyanea truncata, Cyrtandra gracilis, Cyrtandra kaulantha, Gardenia brighamii, and Melicope mucronulata. Many of these species have experienced drastic population decline over the last decade and have only a few extant individuals remaining. Most of the ex situ populations of these species were found to have low levels of variation; however, a few exhibited moderate levels of variation and generally high levels of polymorphic loci. As more species experience extinction threats, these results highlight the need for ex situ storage of all threatened species. Gardenia brighamii was further examined as a case study for other critically endangered plant species. The ex situ population of G. brighamii was compared with the wild population on the island of Lana’i to measure population structure between these two populations. The high levels of variation in the ex situ population relative to the wild population further emphasize the urgency of collecting wild individuals of other species for storage before significant population damage occurs. Furthermore, no population structure was found among the three wild populations on Lana’i which indicates that facilitated outcrossing among them will not introduce any additional variation. Finally, a natural hybridization event between G. brighamii and G. tahitensis (a common ornamental planted in Hawai’i) was investigated. The ramifications of such a hybridization event could be fatal to G. brighamii in the form of outbreeding depression and the interruption of species-specific gene complexes. This possible hybridization event could not be confirmed due to the lack of genetic segregation of G. brighamii from G. tahitensis and the possible hybrids. Understanding the genetic diversity of ex situ populations, the structure of the wild populations, and potential for outcrossing events is vital to the conservation of all rare plant species. This study provides critical information to land managers and conservationists in Hawai’i as they build ex situ collections and develop protocols for conservation of rare Hawaiian taxa in their native habitats.
Theresa Culley, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
Megan Philpott, Ph.D (Committee Member)
Valerie Pence, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
90 p.
Biology
Plant Genetics; Conservation; Microsatellites; AFLPs; Hawaii

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Bridgens, R. (2022). Genetic-based Conservation Implications for the ex situ Populations of Critically Endangered Hawaiian Plant Species [Master's thesis, University of Cincinnati]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1668636124746752

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Bridgens, Rachel. Genetic-based Conservation Implications for the ex situ Populations of Critically Endangered Hawaiian Plant Species. 2022. University of Cincinnati, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1668636124746752.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Bridgens, Rachel. "Genetic-based Conservation Implications for the ex situ Populations of Critically Endangered Hawaiian Plant Species." Master's thesis, University of Cincinnati, 2022. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1668636124746752

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

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This open access ETD is published by University of Cincinnati and OhioLINK.