Abstract Detail

Extreme conservation measures for plants at the extremes in the Hawaiian archipelago model system

Walsh, Seana [1], Fant, Jeremie [2], Wood, Jordan [2], Havens, Kayri [3].

How demographic and genetic analysis tools used by zoos can help guide conservation collection management of the Critically Endangered Hawaiian lobeliad, Brighamia insignis.

For many exceptional species (species from which seed cannot be collected or for which seeds cannot be adequately preserved), living plant collections are currently the only available ex situ conservation option. The maintenance of these collections introduces numerous genetic and demographic challenges associated with small, isolated populations such as loss of genetic diversity through drift, and increased inbreeding. These challenges closely parallel those faced by the zoological community in maintaining captive animal populations. Zoos have developed tools and protocols to minimize the risk of genetic and demographic decline across the entire ex situ population. Presented methodologies and tools for improved ex situ conservation of exceptional plant species include using a pedigree approach to management aided by a tailored software package (PMx) that uses demographic and pedigree data to develop breeding programs and help guide ex situ conservation management plans collaboratively among multiple botanical institutions. We present ongoing conservation work and research with the Critically Endangered (Possibly Extinct in the Wild) Hawaiian endemic plant species Brighamia insignis (alula) as a proof of concept, to illustrate how the botanical community can successfully adapt these tools and protocols to maintain ex situ genetic diversity of threatened, exceptional plant species.

1 - National Tropical Botanical Garden, Science And Conservation, 3530 Papalina Road, Kalaheo, HI, 96741, United States
2 - Chicago Botanic Gardens, Plant Biology And Conservation , 1000 Lake Cook Rd, Glencoe, IL, 60022, United States
3 - Chicago Botanic Garden, CONS SCI DEPT, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL, 60022, United States

Keywords:
botanic garden
breeding program
Brighamia
Campanulaceae
conservation collection
Critically Endangered
exceptional species
ex situ conservation
rare species
IUCN Red List
living collections.

Presentation Type: Colloquium Presentations
Session: COL05, Extreme conservation measures for plants at the extremes in the Hawaiian archipelago model system
Location: Virtual/Virtual
Date: Wednesday, July 29th, 2020
Time: 2:15 PM
Number: COL05007
Abstract ID:134
Candidate for Awards:None