Genetic resource impacts of habitat loss and degradation; reconciling empirical evidence and predicted theory for neotropical trees

Abstract

The theoretical impacts of anthropogenic habitat degradation on genetic resources have been well articulated. Here we use a simulation approach to assess the magnitude of expected genetic change, and review 31 studies of 23 neotropical tree species to assess whether empirical case studies conform to theory. Major differences in the sensitivity of measures to detect the genetic health of degraded populations were obvious. Most studies employing genetic diversity (nine out of 13) found no significant consequences, yet most that assessed progeny inbreeding (six out of eight), reproductive output (seven out of 10) and fitness (all six) highlighted significant impacts. These observations are in line with theory, where inbreeding is observed immediately following impact, but genetic diversity is lost slowly over subsequent generations, which for trees may take decades. Studies also highlight the ecological, not just genetic, consequences of habitat degradation that can cause reduced seed set and progeny fitness. Unexpectedly, two studies examining pollen flow using paternity analysis highlight an extensive network of gene flow at smaller spatial scales (less than 10 km). Gene flow can thus mitigate against loss of genetic diversity and assist in long-term population viability, even in degraded landscapes. Unfortunately, the surveyed studies were too few and heterogeneous to examine concepts of population size thresholds and genetic resilience in relation to life history. Future suggested research priorities include undertaking integrated studies on a range of species in the same landscapes; better documentation of the extent and duration of impact; and most importantly, combining neutral marker, pollination dynamics, ecological consequences, and progeny fitness assessment within single studies. Keywords: fragmentation; gene flow; genetic diversity; inbreeding; neotropical trees; selective logging Introduction Anthropogenic destruction of tropical forests has dramatically increased in recent decades, and the threat to tropical ecosystems is well articulated (eg Bawa and Seidler, 1998;White et al, 1999;Trejo and Dirzo, 2000;Ghazoul and McLeish, 2001). For biodiversity, the single most important impact of these activities is loss of primary habitat (Lira et al, 2003). However, the degradation of habitat also leaves a lasting legacy with which biota must cope if they are to continue to survive. The need for a more integrative approach to this problem, which combines ecology and population genetics, is evident (Sih et al, 2000; Young and Clarke, 2000). For trees, degradation of primary habitat results from two main processes, fragmentation of forest into patches following clearance and disturbance of habitat following extraction processes, such as selective logging.Tropical trees are thought to be particularly vulnerable to the effects of habitat degradation due to their demographic and reproductive characteristics, including low density of occurrence, complex self-incompatible breeding systems, high rates of outcrossing ...

Demographic history and the low genetic diversity in Dipteryx alata (Fabaceae) from Brazilian Neotropical savannas

“…The effects of forest fragmentation on genetic diversity in Neotropical tree species in a broad geographical context have been reported recently (for example, Lowe et al, 2005;Soares et al, 2008;Moreira et al, 2009). However, because anthropogenic fragmentation is generally a recent event in evolutionary time and when considering the life cycle of these species, genetic effects of habitat fragmentation may be still undetectable (Collevatti et al, 2001).…”

Paternity analysis reveals significant isolation and near neighbor pollen dispersal in small Cariniana legalis Mart. Kuntze populations in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest

“…It is expected that reductions in forest cover and the subsequent spatial isolation of tree species populations have a negative impact on the tree species reproductive success and gene flow (Lowe et al. 2005; Manoel et al. 2012).…”

“…2005), they can accumulate deleterious recessive alleles, creating a high genetic load with an associated potential for inbreeding depression (Lowe et al. 2005; Breed et al. 2012).…”

Fine-scale population genetic structure and sex-biased dispersal in the smooth snake (Coronella austriaca) in southern England

“…Limits to gene flow between populations are typically the result of a species reproductive mode and vagility (Lowe et al, 2005). However, habitat change can result in the creation of dispersal barriers (Hitchings and Beebee, 1998), which can alter patterns of gene flow and lead to the isolation of remnant populations (Gerlach and Musolf, 2000).…”