Quantifying Relative Extinction Risks and Targeting Intervention for the Orchid Flora of a Natural Park in the European Prealps |
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Authors: | SIMON PIERCE‡ ROBERTA M CERIANI† MAURO VILLA† BRUNO CERABOLINI |
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Institution: | Dipartimento di Biologia Strutturale e Funzionale, Universitàdegli Studi dell'Insubria, Via J.H. Dunant 3, I-21100 Varese, Italy;Centro Flora Autoctona, c/o Consorzio Parco Monte Barro, Villa Bertarelli, I-23851 Galbiate (LC), Italy |
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Abstract: | Abstract: Conservation currently relies largely on hindsight because demographic studies identify population decline after the event. Nevertheless, the degree of aggregation within a population is an "instantaneous" characteristic with the potential to identify populations presently at greatest risk of genetic impoverishment (via Allee effects and in-breeding depression) and local decline. We sought to determine the relative extinction risk for sympatric orchid species throughout Monte Barro natural park (Lecco, Italy), based on an index of dispersion ( I ) calculated from the size and location of subpopulations (recorded with GPS and mapped with GIS). Three population dispersion types were identified: (1) highly aggregated and locally abundant (large subpopulations restricted to particular sites; e.g., Gymnadenia conopsea L.] R.Br.; I = 54.5); (2) widespread and moderately aggregated (opportunistic throughout the elevational range of the mountain; e.g., Listera ovata L.] R.Br.; I = 18.9); and (3) weakly aggregated and locally rare (small, highly diffuse subpopulations; e.g., endemic Ophrys benacensis Reisigl] O. & E. Danesch & Ehrend.; I = 4.4). Type 1 populations are more likely to respond to in situ intervention, whereas type 2 are relatively invasive species for which conservation intervention is not necessary, and type 3 are rare species that are least likely to respond to habitat management, for which ex situ conservation and population reinforcement would be most appropriate. Although our methodology provides only a "snapshot" of aboveground patterns of population dispersion, it can help target the application of in situ and ex situ conservation activities proactively and is of particular utility for parks for which a rapid assessment of local extinction risks is needed. |
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Keywords: | habitat fragmentation index of dispersion Mesobromion Monte Barro Orchidaceae Ophrys Orchis |
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