Decreasing genetic connectivity in the endangered tree Magnolia patungensis in fragmented forests

摘要: Abstract Knowledge of genetic variation and connectivity is great importance to protect endangered species. The region East Sichuan West Hubei in China the biodiversity center broad-leaved trees world, which experienced severe forest fragmentation during past several decades. Magnolia patungensis an horticultural tree species endemic this area. For 16 microsatellite markers, low variations (HE = 0.228–0.364) high differentiation (FST = 34.0%, G″ST = 53.4%) were found four extant M. populations. These explained by bottleneck, drift, inbreeding restricted gene flow. level historical flow (Nmhis = 0.762) among populations was attributed its limited dispersal ability pollens seeds, complex terrains habitats (high mountains, deep valleys, dense forests). Lower contemporary (Nmcon = 0.474) suggested that further hindered recent habitat fragmentations. As for conservation strategies, all remaining should be protected maximize representation species; artificial pollination recommended within each population order increase seed setting.