Landscape Genetics and Genetic Conservation of Two Keystone Species from Ombrophilous Dense Forest: Euterpe edulis and Ocotea catharinensis

Abstract

In this study, we broadly characterized the genetic diversity of two endangered tree species, Euterpe edulis and Ocotea catharinensis. These species represent different ecological characteristics and different landscape situations, and they were selected within a wide sampling network in the State of Santa Catarina, Brazil, aiming to elucidate the conservation status of both species and suggest conservation strategies. To accomplish this, we used isoenzyme markers to genotype 20 and 19 reproductive populations and 9 and 12 seedling populations for E. edulis and O. catharinensis, respectively. We also estimated metrics of the sampled fragments and constrained the variation of genetic diversity indexes to these metrics through redundancy analysis. High levels of genetic diversity were found for both species/cohorts. These levels and their fluctuations within species' cohorts were not significantly affected by the fragments metrics, suggesting that ecological characteristics may have greater importance in this context. This study shows that limitations to the gene flow and maintenance of allelic exchanges are crucial to define conservation efforts, even though fragmentation and exploitation can significantly impact the loss of diversity. As further conservation strategies, we suggest the use of E. edulis fruits and actions to increase population sizes for O. catharinensis. ©