Low genetic differentiation among morphologically distinct <i>Cycas</i> species informs the delineation of conservation management units
These findings indicate C. armstrongii and C. maconochiei subsp. maconochiei likely represent a morphologically variable species. In addition to updating the threat assessment, we recommend: (1) formally recognizing genetically depauperate or geographically isolated populations (e.g. Tiwi Islands) as conservation management units (CMUs); (2) establishing new ex situ assurance collections for at-risk CMUs; and (3) implementing assisted gene flow among genetically compatible populations to enhance adaptive potential. These actions will ensure conservation strategies are tailored to evolutionary and ecological units.
Authors
- Gregory Kenicer (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5182-0015)
- Rachael V. Gallagher (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4680-8115)
- Nicholas Cuff
- Michael Calonje (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9650-3136)
- Caroline Chong (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0008-2080-7350)
- Markus Ruhsam (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8457-345X)
- James A. R. Clugston (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3653-6953)
- Murray J. Henwood (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7066-8191)
- Richard I. Milne (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7949-7539)
- Kayla Claravall
Institutions
- The University of Sydney (AU)
- Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (GB)
- Montgomery Botanical Center (US)
- Cooperative Trials Group for Neuro-Oncology (AU)
- Department of Land Resource Management (AU)
- Western Sydney University (AU)
- University of Edinburgh (GB)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Annals of Botany
- Published
- 2025-11-13
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1093/aob/mcaf276
- Primary Topic
- Botany and Geology in Latin America and Caribbean
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00
Funders
- U.S. Department of Agriculture
- Rural and Environment Science and Analytical Services Division
- Australasian Systematic Botany Society
- Nature Conservancy
- Australian Flora Foundation
- Directorate for Biological Sciences
- Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council