On the edge: Conservation genomics of the critically endangered dwarf mountain pine Pherosphaera fitzgeraldii

A genomic analysis of the critically endangered Dwarf Mountain Pine (Pherosphaera fitzgeraldii) reveals two distinct genetic groups within its limited range, aligned with wind currents, suggesting restricted pollen or seed exchange. The study also found widespread clonality and signs of inbreeding across subpopulations, despite subdioecy, indicating historical constraints on gene flow and small population sizes. Using conservation genomics, researchers assessed the species' population health and provided strategic recommendations for its management, including prioritizing conservation sites and enhancing genetic diversity in ex situ collections. Further research into the sex determination mechanism could support future genetic rescue efforts.

McMaster, E. S., Yap, J.-Y. S., Chen, S. H., Sherieff, A., Bate, M., Brown, I., Jones, M., & Rossetto, M. (2024). On the edge: Conservation genomics of the critically endangered dwarf mountain pine Pherosphaera fitzgeraldii. Basic and Applied Ecology, 80, 61–71. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.baae.2024.09.003