Conservation units and the origin of planted individuals of an endangered endemic species Lobelia boninensis in the Ogasawara Islands

Research on the endangered endemic plant species Lobelia boninensis in the Ogasawara Islands reveals two distinct genetic clusters, indicating significant differentiation between northern and southern populations. The study also identifies hybridization at an isolated site on Chichijima and traces the origin of transplanted individuals to a population in Hahajima. These findings suggest the presence of two conservation units, with current translocation practices posing a risk of genetic contamination. The research utilized genetic population structure and phylogenetic analyses across all known habitats of the species to inform conservation strategies.

Hata, C., Endo, C., Tanaka, H., Hiruma, M., Kumamoto, M., Takenaka, I., Makino, T., Niinaka, K., Suyama, Y., Hirota, S. K., Yamasaki, M., & Isagi, Y. (2024). Conservation units and the origin of planted individuals of an endangered endemic species Lobelia boninensis in the Ogasawara Islands. Scientific Reports, 14(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-78452-w