Conservation and evolution: from population ecology to public policy

Author(s)

Bruno Pereira Leles

• Document type: Doctoral Thesis
• Press: Rio Claro. 2019-06-18.
• Institution: Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp). Instituto de Biociências. Rio Claro
• Defense date: 2019-02-05
• Advisor: Marina Corrêa Côrtes

Abstract

The fragmentation of natural environments has pervasive consequences to genetic diversity, evolution and the conservation of biodiversity. These effects are important threats to the long-term relevance of ecosystems, and may drive evolutionary responses such as the local adaptation of isolated populations. Negative consequences resulting from fragmentation can be amplified by other common negative pressures in isolated environments, including pollution by heavy metals. Species that survive after contamination play an important role for restoration but face strong selective pressure for adaptation to the contaminants within an isolated environment. The first part of the thesis shed light on important evolutionary mechanisms that drive plant adaptation to soils contaminated by heavy metals. Information regarding population ecology, genomics, and identification of important genes for adaptation to the high concentration of toxic elements, including Fe, Pb, Cu, Al and Zn were used to test major evolutionary mechanisms. The study revealed ecological strategies and genes important for Cattleya liliputana adaptation to contaminated soils. Better tools for landscape management and enhanced integration of protected areas and production landscapes are important strategies to counter the global trend on fragmentation and unsustainable use of natural resources. The second part of the thesis provides tools and analysis to promote connectivity, integration and effective landscape management. In the second chapter, a user-friendly GIS tool to support the design and implementation of buffer zones around protected areas was developed and mainstreamed, contributing to improve management plans of protected areas in Brazil. The third chapter updates the progress to achieve Aichi Biodiversity Target 11 in the group of Like-minded Megadiverse Countries and suggest strategies to accelerate the effective conservation of protected areas. In the fourth chapter, an analysis of the contribution of Socio-ecological Production Landscapes and Seascapes (SEPLS) to achieving Aichi Biodiversity Target 11 was conducted in collaboration with the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity. The study revealed a wide range of synergies among SEPLS, Target 11 and other multilateral environmental agreements. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 15/10778-4 - Genetic mechanisms for plant adaptation to metal rich rock outcrops
• Grantee: Bruno Pereira Leles
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate