Population Dynamics and Conservation Implications of Decalepis arayalpathra (J. Joseph and V. Chandras.) Venter., a Steno Endemic Species of Western Ghats, India

摘要: Decalepis arayalpathra, a critically endangered plant species, has restricted and fragmented population in Southern Western Ghats, India. This study is first attempt to evaluate genetic diversity structure the nine wild populations of D. arayalpathra based on molecular pattern realized through marker assays. Principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) Nei's unweighted pair-group method with arithmetic average (UPGMA)-based hierarchical clustering both assays suggest strong between individuals corresponding their geographical ranges. Mantel test also corroborates close proximity geographic data (r = 0.389). Population revealed low levels gene flow [inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) = 0.289 random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) = 0.847] populations, line high differentiation (Gst = 0.531 ISSR 0.440 RAPD), which was supported by variance (AMOVA), that 54 % (ISSR) 64 (RAPD) total variation resided within populations. Bayesian model-based STRUCTURE detected three clusters showing degree admixture population. Based findings, such as inbreeding depression loss diversity, suggestions for conservation strategies are provided preserve resources this species.