title: Relevance of genetics for conservation policies: the case of Minorcan cork oaks.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Marginal populations of widely distributed species can be of high conservation interest when they hold a significant or unique portion of the genetic diversity of the species. However, such genetic information is frequently lacking. Here the relevance of genetic surveys to develop efficient conservation strategies for such populations is illustrated using cork oak (Quercus suber) from Minorca (Balearic Islands, Spain) as a case study. Cork oak is highly endangered on the island, where no more than 67 individuals live in small, isolated stands in siliceous sites. As a consequence, it was recently granted protected status.
  
  
  METHODS
  Two Bayesian clustering approaches were used to analyse the genetic structure of the Minorcan population, on the basis of nuclear microsatellite data. The different groups within the island were also compared with additional island and continental populations surrounding Minorca.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Very high genetic diversity was found, with values comparable with those observed in continental parts of the species' range. Furthermore, the Minorcan oak stands were highly differentiated from one another and were genetically related to different continental populations of France and Spain.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The high levels of genetic diversity and inter-stands differentiation make Minorcan cork oak eligible for specific conservation efforts. The relationship of Minorcan stands to different continental populations in France and Spain probably reflects multiple colonization events. However, discrepancy between chloroplast DNA- and nuclear DNA-based groups does not support a simple scenario of recent introduction. Gene exchanges between neighbouring cork oak stands and with holm oak have created specific and exceptional genetic combinations. They also constitute a wide range of potential genetic resources for research on adaptation to new environmental conditions. Conservation guidelines that take into account these findings are provided.
authors: GI Genética y Fisiología Forestal, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, ETSI Montes, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
authors: Zaida
authors: Z
authors: Lorenzo
authors: Concetta
authors: C
authors: Burgarella
authors: Unai López
authors: UL
authors: de Heredia
authors: Roselyne
authors: R
authors: Lumaret
authors: Rémy J
authors: RJ
authors: Petit
authors: Alvaro
authors: A
authors: Soto
authors: Luis
authors: L
authors: Gil
mesh_terms: D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources; D014644:Genetic Variation; D005843:Geography; D011157:Population Dynamics; D029963:Quercus / Q000235:genetics*; D012987:Soil; D013030:Spain
chemical_list: D012987:Soil