Drilling down hotspots of intraspecific diversity to bring them into on-ground conservation of threatened species

摘要: Unprecedented rates of biodiversity loss raise the urgency for preserving species ability to cope with ongoing global changes. An approach in this direction is target intra-specific hotspots genetic diversity as conservation priorities. However, these are often identified by sampling at a spatial resolution too coarse be useful practical management threatened species, hindering long-appealed dialog between stakeholders and researchers. Here, we investigated temporal variation presence, diversity, well potential risk factors, within previously hotspot endangered Apennine yellow bellied toad Bombina pachypus. Our results show that neither geographically homogeneous nor temporally stable unit. Over time-window spanning 10-40 years since previous assessments, B. pachypus populations declined large portions its hotspot, their levels decreased. Considering demographic trend, epidemiological data, models current future climatic suitability, extreme south area still qualify urgent in-situ actions, whereas northern would better managed through mix ex-situ actions. emphasize identifying albeit essential step, does not suffice warrant on-ground species. Hotspots should analysed finer geographic scales, provide key knowledge best define priorities, optimize resource allocation alternative practices.