A genetic approach for simulating persistence of reintroduced tree species populations in restored forests

Author(s)

Sujii, Patricia S. ^{[1, 2]} ; Nagai, Micael E. ^[3] ; Zucchi, I, Maria ; Brancalion, Pedro H. S. ^[4] ; James, Patrick M. A. ^[5]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Estadual Campinas, Biol Inst, Genet & Mol Biol Grad Program, BR-13083970 Campinas, SP - Brazil

^[2] Ctr Univ Dist Fed, Hlth Sch, BR-70390045 Brasilia, DF - Brazil

^[3] Univ Estadual Campinas, Biol Inst, Ecol Grad Program, BR-13083970 Campinas, SP - Brazil

^[4] Univ Sao Paulo, Luiz de Queiroz Coll Agr, Dept Forest Sci, BR-13418900 Piracicaba - Brazil

^[5] Univ Montreal, Dept Sci Biol, Montreal, PQ H3C 3J7 - Canada

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: ECOLOGICAL MODELLING; v. 403, p. 35-43, JUL 1 2019.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

Abstract

Tree populations in regions undergoing restoration are generally made up of few individuals, isolated from neighboring populations, and are found within a matrix of inhospitable human-modified landscapes. Resulting negative genetic consequences such as inbreeding depression and genetic drift require mitigation strategies to maintain sufficient genetic diversity in restoration areas. Such strategies often involve seed sampling from many source trees with different provenances. However, the efficacy of these approaches has not been validated. We present an individual-based spatial simulation model to evaluate the effects of: 1) differing levels of initial genetic diversity; and 2) different area sizes on short (tens of years) and mid-term (hundreds of years) restored population viability. We demonstrate this approach and the use of our model with case study of Centrolobium tomentosum, a tropical tree species widely used in restoration projects in the Atlantic Forest of Brazil. Our model and analysis framework can be applied in studies of tree species with different characteristics, from tropical and temperate forests, to assess population persistence in restoration sites as a function of genetic diversity and population size. This knowledge can support planning of both restoration projects and management actions, increasing the probability of restoration success while also reducing associated costs. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 14/01364-9 - A genetic approach for simulating persistence of reintroduced tree species populations in tropical forest restoration plantings
• Grantee: Patricia Sanae Sujii
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 11/50296-8 - Conservation biology of Atlantic Forest’s medicinal species: a genetical approach to Forest restorations
• Grantee: Maria Imaculada Zucchi
• Support Opportunities: BIOTA-FAPESP Program - Regular Research Grants