Applying simple genomic workflows to optimise practical plant translocation outcomes

Abstract

Translocation is an important conservation tool for reducing the probability of extinction of threatened plants. It is also becoming an increasingly common management practice, as habitats are destroyed and climate change pushes more plants beyond the limits of their tolerances. Here we outline the case for informing translocations with dedicated genomic data. We begin by describing principles for using genomic and genetic approaches to enhance the efficiency and success of translocation actions. This includes ensuring that translocated populations are adaptively representative, diverse, and composed (to the greatest possible extent) of unrelated individuals. We then use two Australian case studies to illustrate how these principles have been applied in practice and in a resource-efficient way. For Prostanthera densa, we describe how genomic data have quantitatively informed complex decisions, such as whether, and how extensively, to mix individuals from spatially isolated populations in translocated populations. For Fontainea oraria, genomic data have been used during post-translocation monitoring to confirm that newly established populations incorporate and recombine the little diversity that remained in wild individuals. Overall, we illustrate how a simple workflow can support the development and planning of genomic studies and translocation activities in tandem. In order to ensure greater adoption of translocation genomic workflows, funding bodies in charge of biodiversity management and conservation must direct the necessary resources towards them.

Assessing the Vulnerability of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants to Climate and Land-Use Changes in a Mediterranean Biodiversity Hotspot

“…Translocation of the most sensitive MAPs is another common proactive adaptation strategy increasingly recognised as a necessary option for managing threatened plant species and worth exploring [237][238][239]. We can ensure their survival by moving these species to more favourable habitats, especially in suitable remote areas with low harvesting pressure, and high genetic diversity increases the early establishment of translocated populations [240,241]. However, this approach is fraught with challenges [238,[242][243][244], from selecting suitable relocation sites to ensuring the relocated species can thrive in their new homes without outcompeting native species [245][246][247].…”

Using molecular and morphometric data as operational criteria for the analysis of a threatened rainforest species complex shows interspecific variation, with implications for cryptic-species delimitation and conservation

“…For the three Fontainea groups in this study, we suggest that they deserve ongoing conservation management to ensure that the species diversity within this already genetically restricted, narrow-range genus is retained. Fontainea oraria is currently undergoing a translocation program aimed at achieving genetic rescue, which has yielded great success in reproductive output and genetic improvements (Rossetto et al 2023). Although F. australis has a broader distribution and pool of species diversity, the ambiguous relationships between some of their populations and F. oraria stress the importance of maintaining the geographically distinct clusters, prioritising formal protection of more populations through private conservation covenants, or strategically purchasing properties that could expand the current suitable habitat.…”

Advances in plant conservation translocation

“…One of the most important aspects in translocation includes genetics and genomics considerations for ensuring that translocated populations are adaptively representative, diverse, and composed of unrelated individuals. Using two Australian species as case studies (Prostanthera densa and Fontainea oraria), Rossetto et al (2023) developed a workflow to better support the use of genetic and genomic studies in plant translocation. Monks et al (2023), reviewed the role of fencing and watering for the outcome of 76 translocations of 50 species in the Mediterranean province of Western Australia and found that fencing and watering significantly improved translocation outcomes in terms of survival and growth, and reproduction, respectively.…”