Conservation of endangered and rare plants requires strategies additional to deer‐proof fencing for conservation of sub‐alpine plant diversity

Abstract

Questions: Deer-proof fencing is an essential conservation tool to protect and recover plant species diversity in deer-overbrowsed ecosystems, including species-rich sub-alpine grasslands. However, community-level conservation tools (such as fencing) may be insufficient for single-species conservation, particularly for non-target endangered or rare species that are sparsely distributed. We examined whether fencing that can protect and recover total plant species richness also benefits nontarget endangered or rare species. Location: A sub-alpine semi-natural Kirigamine grassland in Nagano Prefecture, Japan. Methods: We conducted two complementary plant surveys (typical vegetation survey using 1-m 2 sampling units and flowering survey using 150-m 2 sampling units) to account for scarce species. We examined the community-level responses (species richness, flowering species richness, and flowering abundance) of all species and endangered or rare species and the species-level responses (occurrence and flowering abundance) of each species to deer fences. Results: Fencing benefited not only the community-level response of all species, but also that of endangered or rare species. As species-level responses, about half of 43 endangered or rare species had greater flowering abundance inside the fences than outside, but only three of them showed a positive effect on their occurrence. These results suggest that once an endangered or rare species has disappeared, it may be difficult to recover. Conclusions: Continued placement of deer fences is necessary to protect community-level plant species richness of sub-alpine endangered and rare species in deeroverbrowsed ecosystems. We also highlight the necessity of additional strategies focusing on non-target individual species across broad areas outside fences.

Population Genetics, Genetic Structure, and Inbreeding of Commiphora gileadensis (L.) C. Chr Inferred from SSR Markers in Some Mountainous Sites of Makkah Province

“…Many efforts could be considered in this area. Firstly, the results of the present study suggest that we should establish enclosures of a wire-fence type to protect populations that are subjected to severe low genetic polymorphisms [52], as indicated in our study for Wadi Alkharar, Wadi Albaidaa, Wadi Alfawara, and Gebel Al Muliesaa. Such enclosures are crucial to prevent the dangers of overgrazing from camels and sheep in these locations; they should be monitored regularly to observe vegetation parameters and detect any further alterations in the protected populations.…”

Molecular Assessment of Genetic Diversity and Genetic Structure of Rhanterium epapposum Oliv. in Scarce Populations in Some Regions of Western Saudi Arabia

“…Many actions can be taken in this regard, including the following. Firstly, wire-fenced enclosures around the populations severely affected by low genetic polymorphism can be established [41], as identified in our current study, e.g., Wadi Al Khamas, Al Asaafer, Wadi ALHamda, Wadi Al Nassayeif, Wadi Kuliayah, and Wadi Dahban. These enclosures are highly recommended to prevent camel and sheep herds from grazing on these sites, and should be monitored regularly to measure vegetation parameters and observe any further changes occurring in the existing protected populations.…”

Floristic Homogenization and Differentiation under Deer Grazing in a Subalpine Zone in Central Japan

“…Natural and some semi-natural vegetation originally established in the absence of grazing has been significantly affected by the recent heavy grazing [10,35]. The effects of this grazing on vulnerable and important vegetation should be evaluated to enable the establishment of conservation targets that will provide protection from grazing [36].…”